Expert warns of shaming through social media

After more than a week of divisive online debate about rape, Irish society needs to reflect on its relationship with social media, according to clinical psychotherapist Joanna Fortune.

Ms Fortune, who recently delivered a TEDx talk called Social Media — The Ultimate Shame Game, said that despite the positives of the internet, the potential for valuable learning can get lost online.

“George Hook was wrong and his comments caused real damage to rape survivors. This should have been picked up by his employer immediately. It wasn’t until social media mobilised and reacted that sponsors withdrew and then the employer reacted.