Perceptions of violence against women on the social media platform: the case of social media in Kenya
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Date
2017-12
Authors
Njuguna, Evelyne Wanjiku
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kenyatta University
Abstract
The growth of social media has provided a powerful, widespread and global
communication platform. Its growth has had an impact on the opportunities for the
perpetration of violence against women. Though violence against women did exist
before, social media is presenting new ways in which women experience violence.
This study sought to address the perception of violence against women on the social
media platform as experienced in Kenya by answering questionsregarding the types of
violence that are experienced, the cause of such violence, the impact of such violence,
as well strategies for overcoming such violence. The research was based on the
general aggression model. The theory was used to explain how whateverthat is
consumed through social media influences behaviour and thoughts, shapes ideas and
how eventually individuals turn violent and use social media as a platform for their
aggression. The research was conducted virtually on the social media platforms, with
Facebook being used as the main platform for the study. The study employed an
explorative design and convenient sampling technique. Key informants were targeted
using purposive sampling. They were expected to respond to questions on strategies
already in place to handle VAW in online spaces and the challenges they experience
in implementation. This was achieved through a scheduled interview.The information
they provided was used to compare their strategies to those proposed by researchers
and those practised in countries where progress has been made in the fight against
VAW in social media. The research used online questionnaires, secondary sources,
social media resources and interview schedules to collect data. Data was analysed
both descriptively and statistically. Qualitative data was analysed using the thematic
method, while quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistics such as
frequencies. The research revealed that women experiencedviolence in various ways
across the social media platforms. Key among the forms of violence being violent
video sharing 63%, unsolicited pornographic content 63% and disclosure of personal
information or images at 40%.Anonymity, easy access to social media and lack of
online policing were some of the key causes identified by the respondents. The effects
of violence on the victims were identified as disturbing and shameful thoughts and
having to change physical and online behaviour. Some also mentioned feeling afraid
of real physical harm. The respondents suggested ways to stop such violence which
includes: relevant laws to punish perpetrators, campaigns to educate women on their
rights while on social media platforms as well as making known the proper avenues of
reporting such violence when it is experienced. Based on the findings of this research,
the researcher concluded that violence against women on the social media platform is
a real issue that is being experienced by Kenyan women in various forms. Due to the
impact that such violence can have on the freedom and ability of women to fully
participate in social media, it is important that such violence be addressed. This can be
done by increasing avenues of reporting violations and putting in place laws that
adequately punish perpetrators.
Description
A thesis submitted to the school of humanities and social sciences in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the degree of Master of Arts, (gender and development studies) of Kenyatta University. December, 2017