Glossary

A word used in English to describe the act of striking violently or giving someone a beating. This neologism of English origin is used to describe the «game» or form of venting that involves collectively denigrating a person or a subject. When bashing takes place in the public arena, it can sometimes resemble a «media lynching». The growth of the internet and social media has opened up a new arena for bashing, enabling far more people to participate anonymously in this collective activity.

In French, the term ‘bataille’ refers to a game mode in which the player faces an opponent in an arena. The aim is to score as many points as possible by striking or defeating their opponent.

Literally: Beat them all.
This type of video game pits one or even two players against a large number of enemies. The aim is to defeat as many enemies as possible in record time in order to score the highest number of points. It requires lightning-fast reflexes, with the difficulty level increasing as the game progresses. It differs from traditional fighting games, which involve a «duel», whereas «Beat »Em Up’ games involve a multitude of opponents.

A social media app that encourages users to share a candid photo every day, without filters or editing, to show what they’re really doing at any given moment.
The principle is to favour authenticity over prepared or staged content.

A version of the game currently in the testing phase prior to its official release.
In masculinist ideology, this refers to a man who is considered submissive and inferior to the dominant alpha male.

A dating app for adults only, which operates solely via voice chat, anonymously and with random people.

A European strategy adopted in 2022 aimed at ensuring a safe and age-appropriate digital environment for children by combining protective measures, regulatory actions and support mechanisms.

Practices imposed on a person (often a newcomer) under the pretext of integration into a group. They can be humiliating, degrading, or even physically or psychologically dangerous. Hazing is an offence punishable by law.

Inspired by the metaphor from the film *The Matrix*, the concept of the ‘black pill’ has been adopted bymasculinist ideology to describe a form of biological and social determinism according to which a man’s success with women is solely due to his physical attractiveness and social status – and is therefore determined from birth – which would explain why some men do not have access to sexual and romantic relationships. This theory can prove dangerous as it helps to promote a misguided view of the world designed to fuel unfounded anger directed at society and women, and risks provoking hatred of oneself and others by denying thethe importance of diversity in human relationships and the ability to flourish through one’s own choices.

Name for a person who maintains a blog.

Inspired by the metaphor from the film *The Matrix*, the concept of the ‘blue pill’ has been adopted by masculinist ideology to refer to men who are said to remain in a state of ignorance and to be unaware of how society really works. Equality, respect and kindness in relationships are portrayed as a lie designed to weaken men. This theory conveys a distorted view of the world intended to fuel unfounded anger directed at society and women, whilst undermining the principles of mutual respect and empathy.

A decentralised social network that allows users to post and share content without relying on a single company. It focuses on freedom of expression, transparent moderation and user control over their data.

The Blue Challenge, or Blue Whale Challenge, is an old challenge that originated in Russia and is mainly carried out on Facebook. It takes place under the supervision of a mentor who sets the participant a daily challenge, the final one of which is to take their own life. Legend has it that if a participant drops out of the challenge partway through, the supervisor will come in person to end their life. The creator of this challenge was arrested in 2016.

Technique of blurring an image or part of an image in order to protect an identity, hide sensitive content or respect privacy.

An informal term often used by young people to refer to the number of people with whom someone has had sex.

A mobile app for users aged 16 and over, which allows players to monetise their video-gaming skills. This practice may result in financial losses.

This English term, which literally means "female leader" in French, was popularised by the singer Théodora. A ‘Boss Lady’ is a woman who stands by her ideals. She is a true symbol of success, fulfilment and professional and personal achievement.

A computer programme that automatically carries out tasks, often on the internet. For example, it can send messages, ‘like’ posts or answer questions, sometimes in place of a real person.

Be right back (FR: je reviens tout de suite), similar to AFK. An expression used in chat rooms and online games to indicate that you’re stepping away for a moment.

A synthetic drug derived from cannabinoids, sometimes taken by teenagers via electronic cigarettes. Highly potent and uncontrolled, it can cause serious health effects, ranging from intoxication to hospitalisation. Also known as PTC or “Pète ton crâne”, this substance is illegal and particularly dangerous, even in small doses.

This occurs when an algorithm shows a user only the content they are most likely to like or agree with, based on their previous interactions. As a result, we often see the same opinions and information, which can limit the diversity of viewpoints.

An English term referring to bullying, i.e. repeated behaviour intended to intimidate, humiliate or harm a person, whether physically, verbally or psychologically. Online, the term ‘cyberbullying’ is used more specifically.