Justifications for re-sharing non-consensual pornography on social media platforms: A case of South Africa

Dyantyi, Zimkitha

Justifications for re-sharing non-consensual pornography on social media platforms: A case of South Africa

Thesis / Dissertation

2024

Abstract

Problem Statement: The usage and accessibility of digital technologies and social media have made it easy for individuals to create and share content. This ease of content sharing is one of the greatest benefits of social media, however, it has also brought about new social ills such as the sharing of non-consensual pornography. In 2019, the South African government introduced an amendment to the Films and Publications Act of 1996 to make it illegal to share sexually explicit photos and/or videos of others without their consent. However, social media users continue to share and re-share non-consensual pornography on social media platforms. The purpose of the research: The main objective of this study was to explore the justifications used by social media users for re-sharing non-consensual pornography. The purpose was to understand how these justifications are used as neutralisations to continue to perpetuate this behaviour. Research Design/Methodology: This study employed a qualitative approach, which is interpretive. Primary data was collected using semi-structured interviews, and the participants were provided with real-life vignettes as a stimulus. A total of 12 participants were interviewed. Additionally, secondary data was also used in the form of X comments, posts & reposts. These were collected on two identified trending X cases of non-consensual pornography. This study employed the Neutralisation Theory to help guide the exploration of justifications used by social media users. Findings: The results demonstrate that social media users use some neutralisations to justify the behaviour of sharing, and re-sharing non-consensual pornography. The main neutralisation techniques used were denial of the victim, denial of responsibility, and appeal to higher loyalties. In addition, most social media users were not aware of the Film and Publications Amendment Act that criminalises the sharing of non-consensual pornography. Contribution: Exploring the neutralisation techniques used for re-sharing non-consensual pornography helps to gain a deeper understanding of the harmful nature of this behaviour. This study, therefore, contributes to the existing literature on this form of cyberbullying. Moreover, the research highlights how imperative is to make policy and legal reforms, and educational initiatives to minimise the impact this behaviour has on its victims.

Keywords

Commerce

Reference:

Collections

Masters

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