Analyzing Misogyny in the Digital Era: A Computational Linguistic Review
In the digital age, the scourge of misogyny persists, manifesting itself in ever more aggressive forms across the online landscape. Centuries of striving for equality have not fully eradicated the systemic discrimination women face, and now this inequality has found a new breeding ground in the virtual realm.
The exponential growth in research on this phenomenon, spanning fields from social sciences to computer science, attests to the growing urgency in understanding this complex issue. Scholars from diverse disciplines are collectively working to characterize the modern face of misogyny, delving into its roots, expressions, and impact.
Bibliometric analysis reveals a dramatic surge in publications on misogyny since 2010, driven largely by the proliferation of abusive online content targeting women. The collaborative networks within this research landscape are dominated by computer science experts, underscoring the critical role of technology in both enabling and combating this scourge.
Delving deeper into the thematic landscape, the research paints a multifaceted picture. Feminist scholars explore the deeply entrenched patriarchal order and its "law enforcement" branch of misogyny, which seeks to punish women who defy traditional gender norms. Psychologists examine the nuanced interplay of hostile and benevolent sexism, which work in tandem to preserve male dominance.
Sociological investigations uncover the alarming rise of online misogynistic groups, such as the Manosphere, which leverage digital platforms to amplify their toxic ideologies. These communities employ a range of tactics, from co-opting the language of oppression to dehumanizing women through the use of derogatory terms like "femoid."
Computational linguists, meanwhile, have risen to the challenge, developing taxonomies and techniques to automatically detect misogynistic content across social media. Yet, the research reveals a concerning disconnect between these technical advances and the broader sociological understanding of online misogyny's dynamics and impacts.
This multidisciplinary exploration lays bare the urgent need for greater collaboration and cross-pollination of knowledge. By bridging the divides between disciplines, researchers can forge a more holistic understanding of this evolving threat, empowering both feminist activists and technology innovators to confront it on all fronts.
The new face of misogyny is digital, pervasive, and deeply entrenched. But the collective efforts of scholars, across fields, hold the promise of unveiling its true nature and forging effective strategies to combat it, paving the way for a more equitable and just digital landscape for all.
Source: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41599-024-02978-7
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