Online Responses and Backlash to ’Women, Life, Freedom’ Hashtag Activism

Datos Bibliográficos

ID7293003
AutoresAnwar Mhajne (0000-0003-3490-4334, Stonehill College, autor de correspondencia), Leah Tabor (Stonehill College), Brian Traves (Stonehill College)
Año2025
Volumen5
Número3
Fecha de publicación2025-07-01
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessSí
TipoARTICLE
RevistaGlobal Studies Quarterly (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 2634-3797 • E-ISSN: 2634-3797
EditorialOxford University Press (OUP) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1093/isagsq/ksaf063
OpenAlexW7077673358
IdiomaEN
Citas recibidas3
Referencias citadas58

This article delves into the repressive digital discourse on X (previously known as Twitter) in response to recent demonstrations led by Iranian women and their increased online presence. We enhance our understanding of online misogyny by examining the language and imagery used to antagonize activists within the movement. Through qualitative analysis, specifically internet ethnography, we focus on hashtags such as #MahsaAmini and #WomanLifeFreedom, posted between October 2022 and May 2023, contributing to the literature on hashtag activism in authoritarian contexts. The first part of our analysis identifies those targeting feminist female activists online and explores the methods used in these attacks. We delve into the language and tactics used to undermine and discredit women activists in the protests. Our data reveals critiques of the feminist elements of the protests from both pro-regime and anti-regime Iranians, including monarchists. We also highlight discursive differences between posts written in Farsi vs. English. The article underscores the heterogeneity of online misogynistic discourse, emphasizing unique considerations within the repressive campaign. While recognizing the Internet's revolutionary potential for women's movements, we suggest caution regarding its susceptibility to patriarchal forces that hinder progress

Authoritarianism · Backlash · Discourse analysis · Feminism · Focus (optics · Online discussion · The Internet · Electrical and Electromagnetic Research · Geochemistry and Geologic Mapping · Geological Modeling and Analysis