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X Views and Counting: Interest in Rape-Oriented Pornography as Gendered Microaggression
David A Makin1, Amber L Morczek2
1Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA Dmakin@wsu.edu.
Journal of Interpersonal Violence
|March 1, 2015
Summary
This study analyzed Google search data from 2004-2012 to track interest in rape-oriented pornography and related online content. Findings reveal consistent, albeit minor, regional variations in search trends, highlighting the internet
Area of Science:
- Sociology and Media Studies
- Digital Criminology
- Gender Studies
Background:
- Long-standing calls to identify and track violence against women (VAW) transmission, emphasizing media's role.
- Prior research highlights media's influence on societal attitudes, behaviors, and norms related to VAW.
- The internet has emerged as a significant, yet under-researched, medium for norm transmission.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze regional variations in internet search interest related to rape-oriented pornography.
- To examine the use of specific search terms, such as BDSM (bondage/discipline, dominance/submission, and sadomasochism), for trend analysis.
- To contextualize findings within the framework of microaggression and its relation to online content consumption.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Google search query data spanning from 2004 to 2012.
- Conducted a regional analysis of search interest in rape-oriented pornography and related pornographic hubs.
- Employed trend analysis using foundational search terms like "BDSM".
Main Results:
- Identified minor regional variations in search interest for rape-oriented pornography and associated online content.
- Observed consistent patterns in the foundational use of "BDSM" queries for trend analysis across regions.
- The study provides empirical data on the digital landscape of problematic sexual content consumption.
Conclusions:
- Internet search data offers a valuable tool for tracking societal interest in sensitive and harmful content.
- While regional differences are minor, the consistent interest underscores the pervasive nature of the issue.
- Findings contribute to understanding the digital pathways through which attitudes and norms related to sexual violence may be transmitted and reinforced.
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