Gender-Based Double Standards and Inequalities in Online Culture: Objectification of Feminine Sexuality, Self-Expression and Appearance, and Cybershaming

Abstract

Online communities provide a place that facilitates netizens to share their thoughts and ideas freely and swiftly with the speed of a click; this is relatively free and more convenient compared to traditional methods of socialisation. However, the online world can still reflect the traditional community to some extent. Especially with gender-related topics, women are the most often recipients of cyber shaming. This essay will explore the topic of gender-based double standards both online and offline, focusing on cyber shaming received pertaining to women's outfit choices. The essay argues that the cyber shaming of women's outfit choices is not just a matter of individual taste or preference but is rooted in deeply ingrained gender stereotypes and expectations that constrain women's freedom of expression and limit their opportunities for self-determination. This essay will use qualitative and quantitative research methods to investigate the impact of outfits on criticism directed at women and the implications of gender-based double standards. By shedding light on the gender-based double standards that underpin cyber shaming, the essay aims to raise awareness and promote a more equitable and inclusive online culture that values diversity, respect, and empowerment for all. Moreover, this essay demonstrates that online cyberbullying can cause significant consequences in the offline world; some can even cost lives. There is also a need for progressive changes in criminal and privacy law that promote gender equity and prevent cyber-SV against EYW. The implications of these results for academics and practitioners are discussed, and directions for future research are outlined. Throughout the conducted research on three designed inquiry questions, this study concluded with three key findings: Outfit-based content manifests judgments and criticism in the comment to be harsher for women; the impact of cyberbullying on emerging young women is greater than at other ages; and women to some extent have aggravated the effect of the misogyny complex.