Lesson 2.2: Media Effects & Public Attitudes

2.1. IRELAND: Erosion of trust and fear of public misrepresentation

In Ireland, this erosion of trust was deeply personal. Most participants reported moderating or limiting their social media and other media interactions because they feared being set up for ‘debates’ in which their words could be twisted or taken out of context. As the report shows:

“People feared being set up for a debate in which their words could be twisted; they felt that they would be pressured to speak on areas they were not equipped to address. This left a void that meant anti-trans rhetoric, in particular, was left unchallenged.” (RESIST Ireland Report, p. 14)

An atmosphere of mistrust and fatigue silences public advocacy. As activists withdraw, the public space becomes dominated by more aggressive ‘anti-gender’ voices. For those who remain online, ‘immunity’ to attacks develops over time, but the sense of exposure and risk persists, especially as allies leave these spaces, making the hostility feel even more isolating.