In today’s digital age, it is nearly impossible to talk about feminism without also discussing the role social media plays in activism.
Throughout the past ten years, a variety of feminist movements have taken over the internet, particularly on social media sites like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. These movements include #MeToo, #TimesUp, and #YesAllWomen. For many men and women who have experienced sexual assault and harassment, these initiatives offer a sense of support and encouragement, enabling them to share their personal narratives with the world. Since actress Alyssa Milano encouraged victims to share their tales on Twitter in 2017, more than 19 million times have been posted with the hashtag #MeToo, according to the Pew Research Center.
Activism on the Internet
Ruffina Silva-Garcia, a junior majoring in accounting, first learned about the #MeToo movement in 2017 when the news about the accusations against movie producer Harvey Weinstein was originally published by The New York Times.
"I researched [#MeToo] and found out what it was because I didn't want to be ignorant about something that was trending," Silva-Garcia stated. "And it was women telling other women they weren't alone by speaking up for them."
Silva-Garcia claimed that although she frequently shares feminist content on social media, she occasionally receives requests to silence her voice, particularly in relation to posts that discuss her position on abortion.
"You cannot grow if you are unwilling to hear an opinion that differs from your own," Silva-Garcia stated.
Sarah Stone Watt, dean of the communication division, explained this online hostility by saying that those who use social media get safety from their screens.
Because everyone is frightened to say the wrong thing, Stone Watt observed, "I'm seeing an increase in people's awareness, but also... a decrease in willingness or ability to talk face-to-face about it."
Audrey Rhynerson, a junior political science student, said she understands the advantages and disadvantages of engaging with activism in a digital environment. Audrey utilizes Twitter to participate in social movements.
"It's incredibly important and powerful to be able to listen to and uplift messages from people around the world or in your community," Rhynerson stated.
"It's incredibly important and powerful to be able to listen to and uplift messages from people around the world or in your community," Rhynerson stated. "There are a lot of really negative people [online], so sometimes it's hard."
Celebrities in cyberspace
Celebrities have the power to shape the narrative around sexual misconduct in the #MeToo era. According to Rhynerson, societal expectations regarding celebrities' responses to charges of sexual assault have increased in the internet era."Anytime you have that kind of a platform, you have an obligation to act morally," Rhynerson stated.
Miaomiao Gao, a foreign student from Zhengzhou, China majoring in junior IMC, stated that Weibo, which she compared to a cross between Instagram and Facebook, is the primary social media platform utilized in China for social movements.It's common for Chinese celebrities to support feminism on Weibo when something occurs, such as when a girl is bullied or there is gender inequity. Gao said "I'll read their post and attempt to look at the incident from their [or the victim's] point of view."
Gao claimed to have observed changes in American attitudes toward feminist groups after moving here, particularly in the online sphere.
According to Gao, "not many people will go on the streets to advocate for feminism in China." More people in America are practicing it in real life. People in China are reluctant to publicly assume such significant responsibility since, in that country, the government is likely to take measures to silence anyone who voices opinions that are particularly noteworthy, significant, or unique.
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Interesting topic!!