Gender and Sexuality Online Through Social Media Services - Case Study Example

How One Performs their Gender and/or Sexuality Online Social media services, such as Facebook, Instagram, Tinder and Myspace strengthen the relationships of internet users. Parks and Robertson (233) assert that media is a useful tool in the modern world today. This is because it is used to report the current events and interpret the ideas in their simplest form. Wolska (1) observes that media consists of television, books, radios, press and the internet. The campaign against gender violence uses media tools, such as radios, televisions, mobile phones, and press conferences. The media explains certain cultures as it entertains people. Wolska (2) indicates that social media raises awareness and challenge structures of gender power. He comments that women use media to make their issues heard. Media communication develops the society from the sender to the receiver. Interpersonal networks, such as Twitter, encourage people to practice the knowledge they have gained (2). Communication through the media amplifies the voice, encourages meaningful participation, and encourages social change. According to Parks and Robertson (234), communication builds trust and forms policies. Geraci in her article “social media and Gender,” indicates that women use social media to express themselves, connect with other people, and reveal their personal lives (1). She also notes that young women of ages 19 to 25 use attractive language in the social media. Women also use social media to gossip, express their emotions, conduct business, and market their products online. Research has shown that 6% more women conduct businesses online, and 8% more women than men sell their products online (Geraci 4). On the other hand, men use social media to gather information and influence other people. Through the media, men also increase their status. Men and Women Portrayal in the Media Parks and Robertson indicate that media enables people to create personal profiles that define the owner and help in maintaining off-line relationships. Impressions in the social media are so important such that people change their profile pictures to misrepresent themselves. The attributes in the picture identify the person and represent the social ties in the real world (236). According to Spink (1), parents use websites to monitor their children’s behavior. College students use media to provide personal contentment, participation, and trust. Journalists working in newsrooms suggest that the presence of more women in the newsroom will not change their professional culture. However, female journalists in the newsrooms are forced to ape male characteristics since they are judged by their male standards. Women victims who feature in most news stories evidence gender inequality in the media. Women are also identified depending on their family status. In the media, women are less likely to feature in the news headlines and are never relied upon as spoke persons. Ethnic minority women, poor and the old women do not feature in the media. Gender Stereotyping Stereotypes in the media present the false, incomplete, and subjective image of the reality of women. Wolska asserts that gender stereotyping exists in the media where it views men as better than women. Gender stereotyping also presents the negative side of women than it does to men. This is because women are viewed as homemakers and dependent on men (1). Men, on the other hand, dominate and are regarded as financially powerful and providers. The media categorizes men as people who oppose domestic violence. Wolska asserts that media covers most stories of women who have suffered from domestic violence than men. Through gender stereotyping, women are represented as victims of domestic violence (2). Image Media has changed the image of men and women in the work places. Women are demonstrated today as people who share equal rights and responsibilities apart from their traditional roles. Parks and Robertson comment that women claim to be equal with men in the social media although they possess feminine characteristics (236). Media transfers hegemonic ideology. Gender stereotyping in the commercials is common since the advertisers target certain males or females (Wolska 2). According to Wolska (5), women are presented in the cosmetic commercials since they yield great purchase. This is because women portray the objects that men desire most. An example is a situation where a male cosmetic pleases a beautiful woman. Men advertise cars, cigarettes, and investments in the social media. In these advertisements, women show their faces and figures while men are dressed in closed up shots. Geraci indicates that quantitative analysis shows that there is evidence of gender stereotyping and differences in the media. In most advertisements, males at workplaces are fully dressed while women are observed to be at home and dressed suggestively (2). Stations, such as voiceovers, employ more males than females while cosmetics and toiletries companies employ female characters. Participation in the Community Media Women are perceived to be the producers and contributors of media but not consumers. Women are, therefore, regarded as technical decision makers, and agenda setters in the media. Geraci indicates that the social media represent women as citizens who significantly contribute to their families and their communities (1). Men are shown as family providers. Social Media as a Means of Change Health sectors use social media to change the attitudes and behaviors of people. These include televisions, radio shows, theatre, pamphlets, brochures, and information Medias. Wolska argues that social media has greatly and positively affected the gender norms and its inequality. Women are reported to listen to radios often than men (3). Radios promote women governance and participation. Wolska (4) asserts that most people in most communities access radio. Radios that use local languages assist in eliminating literacy barriers. Cultures and traditions are improved as opposition among the conservative societies is emphasized. This brings a change in our society. Wolska concludes that media is held responsible for eradicating gender violence and eliminating poverty through educational programs (6). Some educational speeches supposedly from alcohol addicts’ survivors reduce the intake of drugs, such as alcohol and cigarettes. Community radios are used to increase political participation awareness among women. Radios shape the social values of people and encourage them to participate politically. Women in the media change people’s attitude through advertisements. A good example is advertisements that have women who have preserved their beauty. Wolska (4) indicates that these women are usually very thin and have applied body and facial products that make them beautiful. From these advertisements, most women believe that only very thin women are considered healthy and beautiful. As a result, many check their weight not considering the negative effects. Men also lift heavy objects and go to the gym to gain muscles. Wolska (4) postulates that this is done to copy the advertisers. Other advertisements show a model real man who is an athletic. From this advertisement, many men will put all their efforts to be professional. Other advertisements portray girls babysitting dolls and cleaning the house. On the other hand, boys are shown being out in the field for sports and while playing computer games (Wolska 4). This indicates that girls are supposed to be working indoors while boys are supposed to be out in the field. The media has also attempted to change gender stereotyping through commercials. Dove campaigns aim at promoting beauty at every age with different figures and shapes (Wolska 2). Social media advertisements can, therefore, act as a site for change. Commercials should be universal and suit everybody. This will capture a bigger number of audiences. Wolska (2) argues that gender stereotypes should be used to persuade all gender apart from specific groups. In addition, gender stereotyping should not be used to show the negative characteristics of certain population groups. According to Wolska television should act as a community mirror that shows their interests, attitudes, and values. However, when some societies are not represented, their image is not complete. Wolska adds that the viewers should also be taught viewing skills so that they can be more informed. With this information, they become more informed about social and political changes taking place and break gender stereotyping (6). Electronic Media Abuse Social media abuse is using the media for other personal purposes other than the intended purpose. Abuse in social media is a common occurrence. Acts, such as sexism, ageism, incidents related to disability among others demonstrate social abuse. Bad comments and grossly offensive electronic messages on social media sites have resulted in jailing of the offenders. Spink in her article comments that parents should not be blamed for the increased attention of their underage children on social media (1). For instance, underage children are being paid for nude photos on social media. Vulnerable Population Spink asserts that minors are the vulnerable population in the social media. These include the young boys and girls who are below 13 years of age. He advises that Facebook users should be 13 years and over for them to create an account (2). According to Facebook’s regulations and rules, nobody should be allowed to register or create an account for an underage child. This is termed as a violation of Facebook rules and regulations (Spink 2). Facebook profile settings should assist the parents in monitoring their children’s use of the internet. Spink advises internet users to stay safe online through reporting any internet user who is under 13 years. He postulates that people should only accept friendship requests from people who they know. To stay safe, Spink argues that people should not send their photos to strangers or engage in conversations with them (2). In conclusion, social media has various advantages and disadvantages. However, through proper use of the internet, people can enjoy using the internet and all social media services. Through this, they also reap maximum benefits. Works Cited Geraci, Christine. “Social media and gender: is it one big cliché?” Talent Zoo, Inc., 2010. Web. Mar 31, 2015. Parks, Janet, and Robertson Mary Ann. “Attitudes toward Women Mediate the Gender Effect on Attitudes toward Sexist Language.” Psychology of women Quarterly 28(2004):233-239. Spink, Emily. "Social media abuse not parents fault." Fairfax, 2015.Web. 31 Mar. 2015. Wolska, Malgorzata. “Gender Stereotypes in Mass Media. Case Study: Analysis of the Gender-Stereotyping Phenomenon in TV Commercials.” Krytyka, 2011.Web. 31 Mar. 2015. Read More