Adolescent experiences of digital gender-based violence in sex-affective relationships

Abstract

Scientific literature evidences the role of romantic love myths in the normalization of digital violence within sex-affective relationships. As part of this examination of adolescent experiences in Argentina, 18 mixed gender focus groups were conducted in high schools in Junín, Buenos Aires, with the total participation of 199 students aged between 13 and 19 years old. The results indicate that even though the practice of monitoring the social media activity of romantic partners on social media is widespread, it is widely considered to be «toxic» behavior by students. The study found that girls suffer the most incidents of direct aggression online - harassment, extortion and non-consensual dissemination. This shows that digital violence in dating is a form of gender-based violence. Howe-ver, its normalization is beginning to be questioned by young people, and is the subject of debates in classroom whenever the topic is discussed.