Gender; Stereotypes; Gender Roles; Gender Minorities; Transgender; Differential Susceptibility to Media Effects Model; Technology Equivalence Approach; Social Media; Sexism; Online Sexism
Abstract :
[en] This research project aims to contribute to the field of media psychology by investigating gender representations, biases, and discrimination within the context of social media. The project consists of
four studies/publications that collectively provide a comprehensive exploration of the topic.
Study 1 examines the impact of media representations on gender socialization. It underscores the prevalence of problematic
stereotypical depictions, particularly with regard to women, across various forms of popular contemporary media. The study highlights the
limited representation of transgender, gender queer, and nonbinary individuals, particularly in video games, television, and public social media profiles. The research demonstrates the negative effects of such representations on self-esteem, well-being, and career choices. It emphasizes the significance of promoting diverse and realistic gender representations to foster unbiased education, enhance gender equality, and mitigate marginalization and discrimination based on gender.
Study 2 focuses on the effects of subtle forms of sexism, specifically benevolent sexism, in online contexts. Through an experimental design involving young adults, based on the Differential Susceptibility to Media Effects Model, the study investigates behavioral reactions to benevolent sexist, hostile sexist, and non-sexist social media
content, mediated by emotional response. The research reveals that active vs. passive media use is a significant factor influencing responses,
while sexist attitudes have limited relevance. In line with the DSMM, emotional response was found to be a significant mediator. Gender does not significantly influence interactions with posts. The findings highlight the need for tailored prevention and intervention measures for different types of sexism.
Study 3 explores the presence of gender-biased and benevolent sexist language in YouTube videos. The content analysis reveals indications of androcentric language and gendered infantilizing. The
study underscores the need for further research on subtler forms of sexism in social media and emphasizes the importance of addressing
sexist language both online and offline.
Study 4, a systematic review, investigates the representation of gender minorities in social media during the GenZ era. The review highlights the significance of social media as a resource, community, and platform for activism for gender minorities. It notes the rise in violence
and discrimination against these groups, particularly transgender individuals. The review underscores the positive impact of representation on personal identity and public perceptions. However, it identifies significant gaps in research and the need for more quantitative data to support these initial qualitative findings.
Collectively, these studies contribute to advancing knowledge on gender representations, biases, and discrimination in social media. The findings underscore the importance of increasing diverse and realistic representations, addressing subtle forms of sexism, and providing support and representation for gender minorities. The
research has both theoretical and practical implications, informing policy, prevention strategies, and interventions aimed at promoting
equality and reducing discrimination based on gender.
Gender Based Biases and Discrimination - New Developments in Social Media Contexts
Defense date :
04 October 2023
Institution :
Unilu - University of Luxembourg [Faculty of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences], Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
Degree :
DOCTEUR DE L’UNIVERSITÉ DU LUXEMBOURG EN PSYCHOLOGIE
Promotor :
MELZER, André ; University of Luxembourg > Faculty of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences (FHSE) > Department of Behavioural and Cognitive Sciences (DBCS) > Health and Behaviour
President :
KUMSTA, Robert ; University of Luxembourg > Faculty of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences (FHSE) > Department of Behavioural and Cognitive Sciences (DBCS) > Health and Behaviour
Jury member :
Piotrowski, Jessica; UvA - University of Amsterdam [NL] > Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences
Reich, Sabine; Universität Bremen > Centre for Media, Communication and Information Research
Billieux, Joël; UNIL - Université de Lausanne [CH] > Faculty of Social and Political Sciences
MURDOCK, Elke ; University of Luxembourg > Faculty of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences (FHSE) > Department of Behavioural and Cognitive Sciences (DBCS) > Lifespan Development, Family and Culture