Sexism, an obstacle dating back as far as 12,000 years, persists today in social media where casual jokes and trends perpetuate harmful stereotypes.
The simple definition of sexism is stated as prejudice based on an individual’s sex or gender, which can lead to a variety of harmful behaviors, ranging from subtle comments to violence.
The rise in the use of technology and social media created an online forum where people have the freedom to speak out about anything they want, due to the anonymity on many websites. Because of this, people are able to freely express sexist ideologies without consequences or repercussions.
The algorithm in different social media apps, including TikTok and Twitter, have presented increased misogynistic content, including sexual harassment, discrediting women as well as objectification. Algorithmic processes on social media platforms target individual’s vulnerabilities, glorifying harmful content.
Online abuse is a recent focus of feminism because social media platforms fail to delete some harmful online content. TikTok states they effectively delete approximately 93% of misogynistic content posted. However, this does not reflect what real people experience on the app.
On opposing viewpoints, some people believe the world has already arrived at equality for men and women while others continue to pave the way for equality of all genders. “Men on the internet say women are the reason relationships are not working out these days, and they are constantly denying the existence of sexism while saying these things,” senior Jamilynn Bashinky stated.
Trends on social media platforms have further displayed the “casual” sexism frequently present in online forums. Sexist hashtags on Twitter (also known as X) are popularized, further promoting sexist behaviors and beliefs. These hashtags include #LiesToldByFemales and #IHateFemalesWho.
This could mean people are being exposed to a lot more misogynistic and harmful content than intended. “I don’t know why we allow this kind of rhetoric about people. These are human beings. On the internet, these archaic ideas of women not being their own person are still very much alive, and we just call it ‘traditional,’” Bashinsky said.
The impact sexism has can be worse for those who experience intersectionality, the interconnectedness of social categories. “I think people need to criticize public figures more critically rather than simply berating them for factors they cannot control, including race, gender, sexuality, etc. and focus more on the impact they have on the people and the country,” expressed junior Will Emerle.
Sexism mostly affects women; however, it can also affect men who don’t fit into society’s harsh standards of how people should act.
