Cyberaggression Towards Black and Latinx Women: A Network Topic Analysis of Common, Stereotypical Themes

• In Event: 4254 - Intersectional Inequalities

Abstract

Cyberaggression is a growing issue because of its vast prevalence, potential for anonymity for its perpetrators, and the easy distribution of harassing and aggressive messages. Although cyberaggression on Twitter has begun to receive attention, little research has systematically explored the common themes found in hostile messages on this social media platform. Understanding the thematic content of cyberaggression is of particular interest since there may be differences in the content based on the characteristics of the victims. Furthermore, the topics that are used to attack individuals are important to study because they may be unique to certain groups. In this project, we focus on cyber aggression directed towards women of color. We apply topic analysis and social network methodology to the issue of cyberbullying, or cyber aggression, on the social media platform Twitter. In this research, we begin by examining the occurrence of aggressive, harmful Twitter messages that are directed towards several groups of women of color in the United States, including Hispanic/Latinx women and Black women. Next, we discuss common themes that emerge within these types of communications. In our sample of tweets that targeted blacks, our findings suggest one common theme concerned promiscuity, suggesting that black women are more sexual.  In messages containing Latinx slurs, on the other hand, the current political climate in the United States was a recurring theme in aggressive messages. This project illustrates the role that stereotyping and context play in aggressive content on Twitter. Our findings reveal that social norms that enforce traditional, negative race and gender stereotypes, are evident in aggressive messages.

Authors

• Sara Francisco, Ms.

• Diane H. Felmlee, Pennsylvania State University