It is indisputable that we have become cyborgs; organisms that exist through both organic and tec... more It is indisputable that we have become cyborgs; organisms that exist through both organic and technological means. Phones, computers, social media, and email accounts are no longer separate entities but part of our being and extensions of our identity and self-expression. Today's young adults, with their focus on expression, presentation and connectivity, exist online socially, professionally, and sexually. Sexual interaction through technology has become so commonplace that it is now considered normal and even healthy in a relationship. However, some concern, confusion, and stigma-particularly regarding young women-remains around what older generations might call 'sexting' but younger generations might just call 'sex'.
This paper will explore these concerns and risks, particularly concerning consent, coercion, and choice. In addition, this paper will also address and discuss an often-overlooked feature of sex online -the potential it has as a feminist practice that can empower and protect women while allowing more opportunities than ever before to explore and experiment through sex, identity, and sexual identity.
Group and race-based discrimination remains present in South Africa, in part as an Apartheid by-p... more Group and race-based discrimination remains present in South Africa, in part as an Apartheid by-product, and can result in biased treatment. The study investigated whether and how accents influence perceptions of credibility, focussing on English, Cape-Coloured, and Gay accents. Results from an online questionnaire (N=295) showed that race significantly influenced which accent was deemed most believable ( 2 (4) = 9.88, p .043). Focus group interviews (N=18) suggested that perceived education level was the biggest factor in determining credibility. The Gay accent was deemed most believable and rated highest on intelligence, although qualitative findings suggested that a witness with this accent might not be believed in criminal justice settings, due to homophobia and assumed likelihood to exaggerate. The Cape-Coloured accent was deemed less believable due to associations with lack of education, crime, and 'dangerousness'. The English accent was rated highest on reliability, likeability, confidence, and honesty, and perceived as being educated, professional and important. Additionally, findings suggested that 'white guilt' may be a significant factor in how white students shared perceptions of black and coloured accents.
In a cyborg society where people exist both organically and via technology, sexual expression and... more In a cyborg society where people exist both organically and via technology, sexual expression and interaction via technology has become 'normal'. The controversy surrounding sexting stems from contemporary literature and media portraying it as coercive, harmful and unacceptable, with particular reference to young females. Qualitative data on this phenomenon is extremely limited and biased, potentially resulting in unjust limitations and restrictions. This study investigates Millennial sexting behaviour by considering general and gendered perceptions of sexting to better understand the phenomenon; its risks, benefits, and the practice itself. An exploratory mixed methods study amongst university students (N = 579) revealed expected and unexpected findings. Respondents acknowledged sexting's risks, while the benefits of and motivations for sexting were emphasised with little evidence of negative pressure. It is argued that the benefits of sexting greatly outweigh the potential risks, but moreover, that sexting is a primarily feminist practice that holds much promise. The need for sextual education and awareness of sext-consent is examined, as theoretical and policy implications are discussed.
It is indisputable that we have become cyborgs; organisms that exist through both organic and tec... more It is indisputable that we have become cyborgs; organisms that exist through both organic and technological means. Phones, computers, social media, and email accounts are no longer separate entities but part of our being and extensions of our identity and self-expression. Today's young adults, with their focus on expression, presentation and connectivity, exist online socially, professionally, and sexually. Sexual interaction through technology has become so commonplace that it is now considered normal and even healthy in a relationship. However, some concern, confusion, and stigma-particularly regarding young women-remains around what older generations might call 'sexting' but younger generations might just call 'sex'.
This paper will explore these concerns and risks, particularly concerning consent, coercion, and choice. In addition, this paper will also address and discuss an often-overlooked feature of sex online -the potential it has as a feminist practice that can empower and protect women while allowing more opportunities than ever before to explore and experiment through sex, identity, and sexual identity.
Group and race-based discrimination remains present in South Africa, in part as an Apartheid by-p... more Group and race-based discrimination remains present in South Africa, in part as an Apartheid by-product, and can result in biased treatment. The study investigated whether and how accents influence perceptions of credibility, focussing on English, Cape-Coloured, and Gay accents. Results from an online questionnaire (N=295) showed that race significantly influenced which accent was deemed most believable ( 2 (4) = 9.88, p .043). Focus group interviews (N=18) suggested that perceived education level was the biggest factor in determining credibility. The Gay accent was deemed most believable and rated highest on intelligence, although qualitative findings suggested that a witness with this accent might not be believed in criminal justice settings, due to homophobia and assumed likelihood to exaggerate. The Cape-Coloured accent was deemed less believable due to associations with lack of education, crime, and 'dangerousness'. The English accent was rated highest on reliability, likeability, confidence, and honesty, and perceived as being educated, professional and important. Additionally, findings suggested that 'white guilt' may be a significant factor in how white students shared perceptions of black and coloured accents.
In a cyborg society where people exist both organically and via technology, sexual expression and... more In a cyborg society where people exist both organically and via technology, sexual expression and interaction via technology has become 'normal'. The controversy surrounding sexting stems from contemporary literature and media portraying it as coercive, harmful and unacceptable, with particular reference to young females. Qualitative data on this phenomenon is extremely limited and biased, potentially resulting in unjust limitations and restrictions. This study investigates Millennial sexting behaviour by considering general and gendered perceptions of sexting to better understand the phenomenon; its risks, benefits, and the practice itself. An exploratory mixed methods study amongst university students (N = 579) revealed expected and unexpected findings. Respondents acknowledged sexting's risks, while the benefits of and motivations for sexting were emphasised with little evidence of negative pressure. It is argued that the benefits of sexting greatly outweigh the potential risks, but moreover, that sexting is a primarily feminist practice that holds much promise. The need for sextual education and awareness of sext-consent is examined, as theoretical and policy implications are discussed.
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Papers by Melissa Meyer
This paper will explore these concerns and risks, particularly concerning consent, coercion, and choice. In addition, this paper will also address and discuss an often-overlooked feature of sex online -the potential it has as a feminist practice that can empower and protect women while allowing more opportunities than ever before to explore and experiment through sex, identity, and sexual identity.
This paper will explore these concerns and risks, particularly concerning consent, coercion, and choice. In addition, this paper will also address and discuss an often-overlooked feature of sex online -the potential it has as a feminist practice that can empower and protect women while allowing more opportunities than ever before to explore and experiment through sex, identity, and sexual identity.