The Impact of Social Media against Female Sexual Assault Incidents through The Perspective of Rape Myth Acceptance: Turkish Social Media Users Sample

• In Event: New Media and Crime

Abstract

Although there is limited research in the literature (Deming et al., 2013) the relationship between sexual assault incidents and the effect of social media is a quite new research area. Therefore it’s proper to analyze both positive and negative dimensions of social media on the topic. Victim blaming discourse claimed that individuals are responsible for their own victimizations because of their dressing style, demeanor, usage of alcohol or being alone out at night (Amir, 1971; Meyers, 1994).

This research aims to explore the effects of social media on the public’s perception against sexual assaults incidents. To achieve this, 4 focus group interviews with different age groups has been conducted with social media users via observing their opinions on gender role rigidity, rape myths acceptance and experiencing fear of crime.

According to preliminary analysis of the interviews, harm / benefit dichotomy of social media on shaping public perception about female sexual assault incidents is identified through to the “Generational Perspective”. Gender role rigidity and accepting rape myths are more common in Generation X participants than Generation Y participants. Participants of Generation Y seem more reluctant to participate in an online campaign against female sexual violence than Generation X.

Authors

• Can Calici, Istanbul University Institute of Forensics Sciences Department of Social Sciences

• Ezgi Ildirim Ozcan, Istanbul Arel University

• Erdinc Ozturk, İstanbul University