Gendered Dynamics of Online Harassment: Experiences of Facebook Users in Thohoyandou, Limpopo Province, South Africa

Abstract

Despite the growing concern about online harassment globally, there is a significant gap in understanding the experiences of Facebook users in the global South contexts, particularly in relation to gender. While research has shown that online harassment is a pervasive issue worldwide, there is limited research that specifically explores the gender dynamics of online harassment in the South African context. This knowledge gap is significant, as South Africa has a unique cultural and social landscape that may influence the ways in which online harassment is perpetuated and experienced. Furthermore, a lack of research on this topic in the African context means that there is limited understanding of the impact of online harassment on different genders. To address this knowledge gap this study explored the gendered dynamics of online harassment, focusing on the experiences of Facebook users in Thohoyandou Limpopo Province, South Africa. The types of harassment experienced by Facebook users, how male and female users of Facebook experienced harassment, and the possible ways of mitigating harassment on Facebook were key questions addressed in this study. Data were collected using a combination of semi-structured interviews with 10 residents of Thohoyandou who were identified through the referral sampling strategy. Data from semi-structured interviews were complemented by qualitative content analysis of Facebook posts on Facebook accounts of three purposively selected prominent public personalities, namely, Makhadzi, Queen Beyonce Makondo, Captain SABC Livhu online TV. Qualitative data from interviews and content analysis was thematically coded to extract themes relating to the gendered dynamics of harassment on Facebook. Findings reveal that online harassment is deeply gendered, with women experiencing frequent, severe, sexualised abuse targeting appearance and sexuality, while men face attacks questioning masculinity and status; prevalent forms include body shaming, cyberbullying, sexual harassment, and hate The study underscores the need for strengthened, gender‑sensitive platform moderation, accessible reporting mechanisms, community support systems, and digital‑citizenship education to mitigate harassment and promote safer, inclusive online environments in Thohoyandou. The study revealed that harassment on Facebook takes multiple forms, including body shaming, cyberbullying, racial and cultural discrimination, sexual harassment, hate speech, impersonation, stalking, boundary crossing, trolling and revenge porn. Together, these behaviours create a hostile online environment that undermines users’ emotional wellbeing, social relationships and sense of safety. The study underscores the need for strengthened, gender‑sensitive platform moderation, accessible reporting mechanisms, community support systems, and digital‑citizenship education to mitigate harassment and promote safer and inclusive digital spaces.