Abstract

The following article considers whether social media has become a site of power for girls and women (G&W). The internet has traditionally been dominated and controlled by wealthy middle-class cis men; therefore, it has been, and continues to be imperative to explore whether the online social media sphere now incubates more of a gender power balance. Thematic analysis identified patterns in the data, with female participants (aged 18-20) understanding that G&W experience liberation on social media as well as restrictions. The participants reported positive nurturing experiences online, as well as receiving negative comments based on body image, race, and class. Results support an intersectional approach to G&W experiences of using online social media platforms. Findings indicate further research into intersecting (in)equalities within social media representations of G&W is required, including further research into the social media representations of class, the LGBTQIA+ and BAME communities. For the purposes of this article new media is defined as a two-way interactive digital platform. Additionally, social media is defined as online digital spaces where anyone can express themselves via online communities. Traditional media is described as traditional one-way singular communication media outlets (Meraz, 2011).