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Women and Social Media

Mass media is perhaps the most powerful tool in the world for creating, changing or perpetuating society’s ideas about an issue or group of people. People who control the mass media decide which issues become news worthy. However, this becomes of concern if people who control the mass media do not reflect a diverse group. Likewise, it has been noted women have historically been underrepresented and misrepresented in the media.

Although, women are represented in television networks they are represented in fields which perpetuate gender stereotypes. Women who were broadcasted on TV as experts, were experts in fields such as pediatricians, teachers, or caretakers. Thus, leaving males as authority figures. This is also highly influenced by the lack of women in the news industry. According to the Women’s Media Center, women accounted for 36.1 compared to 63.4 men in different media outlets.

The exclusion of women in social media has led women to create their own platforms. To express themselves, share similar experiences, create a community of support etc. Well known social media outlets that combat sexist media are Bitch Magazine and Ms. Magazine. Additional platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, and Instagram have allowed for further communication and development of new consciousness raising groups.

Furthermore, social media has created a community for women to support campaigns for equality such as the “BringBackOurGirls” campaign, which aims to bring awareness to the violence against women. Likewise, online communication has allowed women’s issues to be brought to the forefront and create a sense of unity amongst women. Women are bringing awareness to issues affecting women by using the online platform to protest and have influenced organizations to rethink their advertising strategies. Thus, helping reshape women’s expectations in society and media representation.