The assistant professor of strategic communications recently published two articles examining how digital communication influences bystander intervention against rape myths and engagement with feminist movements like #MeToo.
As digital media continues to shape conversations about gender-based violence and feminism, Assistant Professor of Strategic Communications Sydney Nicolla recently published two research articles examining how online discourse influences social norms, bystander behavior, and feminist activism.
Nicolla served as the lead author for “Young People Are Willing to Intervene Against Rape Myths Online: A Simulated Social Media Experiment,” which was published in February in the Journal of Adolescent Health, a peer-reviewed medical publication dedicated to improving the health and well-being of young adults. As part of their research, Nicolla and her coauthors conducted a digital experiment using a simulated social media platform to examine how young adults (ages 18-25) respond as bystanders to harmful victim-blaming comments in an Instagram-like environment. Their findings suggest that young people, particularly women and those who reject victim-blaming social norms, are likely to intervene in online discussions.
But the study also raises questions about the role of modeled bystander intervention, Nicolla noted. Previous research suggests that seeing others take action increases the likelihood of intervention, yet Nicolla’s findings indicate that this effect did not translate to the digital space.
Nicolla’s second recent article, “Has Feminism ‘Gone Too Far?’ A Mixed-Methods Exploration of Perceptions of Digital Feminist Activism,” delves into how individuals engage with digital feminist movements like #MeToo. Published in Feminist Media Studies, a peer-reviewed academic journal, Nicolla’s research highlights that those who identify as feminists, or have feminists in their social networks, are more likely to participate in online activism. Additionally, gender identity plays a significant role, with those who align with feminine identities – regardless of gender – being more inclined to support and engage with digital feminist movements.
Together, these studies offer critical insights into the ways digital communication can challenge harmful narratives and mobilize communities for change.
“I started doing research in this area around the time the #MeToo movement was gaining national media attention,” Nicolla said. “It occurred to me that digital feminist communication like #MeToo tweets were actually a very organic, very personal form of health communication about the prevalence and consequences of sexual violence for women. I see these two articles as related by their shared focus on digital communication that could improve women’s health and safety.”
Nicolla plans to further expand her research with a summer research fellowship, supported by the university’s Faculty Research and Development Committee, where she will analyze social media discourse on abortion as healthcare in the wake of Roe v. Wade’s repeal.
“We know that women are turning to social media to speak out against restrictions on their reproductive autonomy,” Nicolla said. “It is important to understand what types of information women are sharing, whether this information is factual and health-focused, and the potential for this communication to educate – or, a possible unanticipated outcome, misinform – others.”