Survivor Creates Safe Social Network After Legal Battle.
Olivia DeRamus faced a tough time after being sexually assaulted in college. When she reported it, the alleged perpetrator sued her for defamation, making her legal battle last for years.
Feeling the need for a safe space, she founded Communia, a unique social network focusing on ‘social health’ and providing support for challenging situations.
Communia, unlike other platforms, ensures user safety with human moderators, email verification, and photo identification for sensitive topics. It caters to women and non-binary individuals, offering a “Twitter-style” feed for anonymous sharing.
Olivia’s motivation arose from personal struggles, turning her negative experience into a positive space for others. The app has become a refuge for survivors of various forms of abuse, including online harassment.
Notably, Communia stands out by avoiding ads and prioritizing user privacy. Olivia hopes to make it profitable without compromising user data, emphasizing responsible business practices.
However, sustaining a non-advertising model poses challenges, requiring a loyal subscriber base. The journey ahead involves scaling up while maintaining the supportive community that drew users in the first place.
Olivia’s mission extends beyond her own justice; she aims to provide a platform where others can share their experiences and find support. Communia, with its focus on well-being and community, stands as a unique solution in the social media landscape.
[Original content source: BBC]
https://www.bbc.com/news/business-67559541