Going Viral Taught Me the Internet Is Broken — but Fixable | Deja Foxx | TED
In her TED talk “Going Viral Taught Me the Internet Is Broken — but Fixable,” Deja Foxx shares her profound journey from a vulnerable teenager to a powerful voice in social discourse. Growing up in Tucson, Arizona, Foxx faced significant challenges, including leaving home due to her mother’s struggles with substance abuse. At 16, after a viral confrontation with a senator over birth control access, she was thrust into the public eye, exemplifying the power and pitfalls of social media.
While her rise granted visibility and opportunities, it also exposed her to the darker aspects of online interaction—namely, harassment fueled by insidious algorithms. As she navigated this complex digital landscape, Foxx found solace and strength in community, particularly through her initiative, GenZ Girl Gang, which redefined sisterhood online.
Foxx highlights how young women are leading the charge for a safer, more respectful internet, emphasizing platforms that prioritize user well-being over profit. She invites her audience to envision a more inclusive digital future, built on empathy and respect, urging a collective fight for a reinvigorated online space. Foxx’s story is a testament to resilience and the potential for positive change within the digital world.
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Video “Going Viral Taught Me the Internet Is Broken — but Fixable | Deja Foxx | TED” was uploaded on 10/26/2025 to Youtube Channel TED