3590 - CYBER DATING ABUSE: UNFAIR SOCIOCULTURAL ROOTS AND INJUSTICE THROUGH TECHNOLOGIES

Session: 3589 - LOCAL COMMUNITIES AND MODERN TECHNOLOGIES: UNRAVELING SOCIAL RELATIONSHIPS AND PARTICIPATORY PROCESSES IN UBIQUITOUS COMMUNITIES
AUTHORS:
Bellanca Nicole (Università degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia ~ Modena ~ Italy) , Agueli Barbara (Università degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia ~ Modena ~ Italy) , Esposito Ciro (Università degli Studi di Foggia ~ Foggia ~ Italy) , Esposito Concetta (Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II ~ Napoli ~ Italy) , Di Napoli Immacolata (Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II ~ Napoli ~ Italy)
Abstract text:
INTRODUCTION
Information and Communications Technology (ICT) has become a constitutive element of contemporary relational dynamics, extending the intensity of interactions. Far from being a neutral medium, ICT affords specific affordances - like constant connectivity, anonymity, surveillance - that can facilitate coercive and aggressive behaviours within intimate relationships. In this context, digital technologies enable manifestations of Cyber Dating Abuse (CDA), including control, monitoring, and direct aggression (Borrajo et al., 2015). These practices are rooted in sociocultural injustice and gender inequalities that structure offline relationships and find new spaces for reproduction and amplification online (Marganski & Melander, 2018; Peskin et al., 2017).
PURPOSE
The study examines factors that can contribute to the negative use of technologies, leading to CDA.
METHOD
1084 young adults (69,4% female), aged between 18 and 30 (M_age= 23.89, SD = 3.01) participated in an online survey. Using Mplus, a Structural Equation Model (SEM) was tested to investigate the predictive contribution of General (G-BJW) and Personal (P-BJW) Beliefs in a Just World on Control and Overt Aggression, manifestations of CDA. The mediating effect of Acceptance of Victim-Blaming Myths, Benevolent and Hostile Sexism was tested.
RESULTS
G-BJW had a positive effect on all mediators and a direct and negative effect on Control. P-BJW had a negative effect on all mediators. Benevolent Sexism was associated only with Control, while Hostile Sexism had an effect only on Overt Aggression. Victim-Blaming Myths had a positive effect on both outcomes. G-BJW was indirectly and positively associated with Overt Aggression through Hostile Sexism and Victim-Blaming Myths, and with Control through Benevolent Sexism and Victim-Blaming Myths. P-BJW was indirectly and negatively associated with Overt Aggression only through Hostile Sexism, and with Control through Benevolent Sexism.
CONCLUSIONS
Interventions should focus on the conscious use of technologies to end CDA, exploiting their potential to reduce and combat unequal models.