Feminist Interventions in Social Media Research: A Review Essay

• In Event: Advancing Feminist Theories: Interventions, Integrations, and Intersections

Abstract

This essay explores how gender and sexuality are enacted, performed, and experienced across social media platforms, with a particular focus on intimate relationships and how technology may alter or transform social conceptions of intimacy, desire, and love. The essay begins with an overview of two important theories—polymediation and social information processing—that help to contextualize the space for online relating as well as some of the basic processes involved when people interact online. This theoretical foundation is followed by a review of how gender and sexuality are embodied online, especially as it ties into online identity. That leads into a discussion of three contexts of social media: social networking sites, texting, and online dating. Overall, the essay provides a summary of theorizing about relating online; offers an overview of research about love, intimacy, and social media; and suggests ideas for future research.

Author

• Jimmie Manning, Northern Illinois U