Gaslighting and harassment online (wk7)
Online discourse has always been very prominent within social media forums, leading to negative behaviours and harassment from parties over conflicting ideologies. Although the internet is a popular place for people to come together and communicate, online abuse is quite common. According to Gleeson, gaslighting is an example of a “contemporary thought and vernacular,” (Gleeson, 2018) which is a word originating from the film ‘Gaslight’ (1944) where a husband deliberately manipulates his wife into believing she is insane.
Gaslight is quite a common word and is identified throughout online forums. Gaslight is defined as the “psychological manipulation of a person in order to erode their sense of self and sanity, (Gleeson, 2018) hence themes present within the 1944 film ‘Gaslight’. In terms of society today, the term has re-emerged and its relevance is commonly associated with abuse and violence against women not just online but in real life.
Common cliques and stereotypes present degrading women are unfortunately still present and used within our society today, typically by those who are a part of the “manosphere.” (Marwick, 2018) The Manosphere to put simply, are those who associate themselves with anti-feminist content and are linked to “online misogyny and harassment.” They are also people who are associated with blogs, podcasts, men’s rights activists and fringe groups. (Marwick, 2018)
“The crazy ex-girlfriend”
“Psycho bitch”
“Bitches be crazy”
“Hysterical women”
(Gleeson, 2018)
Unfortunately gaslighting is still existing in today’s society as a way to dismiss women who are a part of the #MeToo movement. These stereotypes are quite damaging for young women and men, as using them with malicious intent about a certain gender can create confusion and conflict between digital citizens. These stereotypes are very much just stereotypes and don’t refer to every woman, which is important for members within the Manosphere to consider. Members who are part of the Manosphere use gaslighting and misogynistic phrases and behaviours about women, as a manipulation tool towards not just women but men too.
Bibliography:
Gleeson, J 2018, ‘Explainer: What does ‘Gaslighting’ Mean?’, The Conversation, 6 December, https://theconversation.com/explainer-what-does-gaslighting-mean-107888
Marwick, A & Caplan, R 2018, ‘Drinking male tears: language, the manosphere, and networked harassment’, Feminist Media Studies, vol. 18