Are girls sexualized on social networking sites? An analysis of comments on Instagram of Kristina Pimenova

  1. Carmen Llovet Rodríguez 2
  2. MÓNICA DÍAZ-BUSTAMANTE VENTISCA 3
  3. Kavita Karan 1
  1. 1 School of Journalism, Southern Illinois University, USA.
  2. 2 College of Arts and Sciences, New York Institute of Technology, USA.
  3. 3 Universidad Complutense de Madrid
    info

    Universidad Complutense de Madrid

    Madrid, España

    ROR 02p0gd045

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Book:
Beyond the stereotypes: Boys, girls, and their images
  1. Dafna Lemish (coord.)
  2. Maya Gotz (coord.)

Publisher: NORDICOM

ISBN: 978-91-87957-76-5

Year of publication: 2017

Pages: 254

Type: Book chapter

GOOGLE SCHOLAR lock_openOpen access editor

Abstract

Scholarly literature has focused on sexualization of girls through fashion and advertising that has resulted in stereotypes, low self-esteem, poor body image and vulnerability. New Media and social networking sites like Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat among others have become a platform for girls to post their photographs and call for comments on their beauty, clothes and presentation. This article through a content analysis discusses people’s comments on a few Instagram pictures of a young 10-yearold model Kristina Pimenova, described as the most beautiful girl in the world. Results over a period of one year found that most of the remarks emphasize a sexual meaning, physical attractiveness, love and intimacy. Besides, the highly commented categories raise low self-esteem and jealously among kids and confirm the negative effects of sexualization of children. A few also mention the dangers of the exposure to these social networking sites, such as intrusion of privacy and pedophiles.

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