Sophie Maday

About

Year: Senior
Major: Information Systems, Marketing
Mentor: Dr. Jenna Drenten

Previous research suggests that, historically, various forms of traditional media, including newspaper stories about sexual assault, may contribute to college students' victim-blaming. However, the rise and power of social media platforms have significantly increased students' engagement in sexual assault awareness and prevention, through hashtag activism. By providing a direct, immediate outlet for communication among survivors, power has shifted away from the assailant and to the victim of the assault. In recent years, college students across the United States have launched independent social media pages inviting students to anonymously share their experiences with sexual violence. Although previous research examines the nexus of social media and sexual assault in larger contexts such as the #MeToo Movement, little is known about the role of anonymous student-driven social media pages in shaping perceptions of sexual assault on campus. The purpose of this study is to understand the modern and current media framing of sexual misconduct on college campuses.