From Instagram to Society: The Impact of Social Media on Female Self-Sexualization
Abstract
The proliferation of social media has facilitated extensive discussions on various social issues, with feminism being a particularly prominent topic of interest. Social platforms have not only provided individuals with the means to share their opinions on gender equality, but they have also, to some degree, fostered a greater comprehension and consciousness of feminism among the general population. Facilitated by internet communication, the evolution of societal perspectives has led to a transformation in our perception of gender roles, resulting in the increasing integration of feminism into mainstream discourse. This article examines the increasingly prevalent phenomenon of female self-sexualization in the context of social media in the United States. This study utilizes an extensive examination of existing literature to investigate the relationship between internalized gender discrimination, which is experienced through platforms like Instagram, and the male gaze. The investigation reveals that social media serves as a platform that mirrors and intensifies preexisting gender stereotypes, promoting women to conform to limited ideals of attractiveness and conduct.
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