Cybersexism: How Gender and Sexuality Are at Play in Cyberspace

Abstract

Cybersexism refers to acts of violence that: 1) occur or linger in cyberspace; 2) are sexist, homophobic (lesbophobic) or sexual in nature; and 3) who reiterates dominant gender norms targeting girls and boys (tarnishing the former's reputation and threatening the latter's masculinity). Data presented stems from the first study on cybersexism in French high schools: 1127 students (ages 12-16) completed survey questionnaire, and 415 students/48 adults from the same schools took part in focus groups or individual interviews on the topic. It draws the portrait of cybersexism as an inherent part of a digital sociability for French youth, whose gendered and sexualized identities are increasingly developed -at least partially -in cyberspace. This chapter focuses on two characteristics of cybersexism. First, it is pervasive since it results from internalized gender expectations. Cybersexism therefore operates constantly and in various degrees of severity (from asking a girl to refrain from posting a picture to major slut-shaming incidents). Second, contrary to popular belief, it rarely comes from an outside abuser, but from the pressure peers constantly exert on each other: to have/maintain an online presence/popularity, and to adhere to gender norms of heterosexual masculinity and femininity. Ultimately, we position cybersexism as a new way of socially controlling each other's expression of gender and sexuality.

Digital Dilemma of Cyberbullying Victimization among High School Students: Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Associations with Stress and Mental Well-Being

“…The mediation analysis provides valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying the relationship between cyberbullying victimization and general psychological health. The results emphasize the importance of addressing cyberbullying not only as an isolated issue but also as a factor that can contribute to increased stress levels and psychological problems among adolescents [ 126 , 127 ]. This finding underscores the need for interventions that target both cyberbullying and its associated psychological consequences, with a specific focus on stress management and coping strategies.…”