Abstract

Twitter has emerged as a space for survivors of sexual violence to share unwanted sexual experiences and for web users to provide support and feedback. Because Twitter data is often associated with latitude and longitude points, geospatial mapping of tweets that utilized the hashtag #MeToo to discuss experiences of sexual violence may be useful in understanding ways to best deliver resources to survivors who seek help online. Accordingly, the present study conducted an exploratory geographic information systems (GIS) “hotspot” (i.e., special cluster of tweet events) analysis to examine the feasibility of mapping tweets including the hashtag #MeToo with associated latitude and longitude data (N = 777) to target interventions and resource provision. Data indicated that tweets with the hashtag #MeToo were dispersed across the United States in a manner inconsistent with population density and that concentrated points emerged in other countries. Data suggest that certain geographic regions are more motivated to discuss sexual violence online and are perhaps in more dire need of violence-related resources. Future research should incorporate GIS analysis of larger Twitter datasets to target resource provision toward populations engaged in help-seeking online. GIS analysis of Twitter discourse surrounding gender-based violence may also be utilized by law enforcement, healthcare agencies, and academicians to develop targeted interventions.

摘要

Twitter 已成为性暴力幸存者分享不想要的性经历和网络用户提供支持和反馈的空间。由于 Twitter 数据通常与纬度和经度点相关联，因此使用标签#MeToo 讨论性暴力经历的推文的地理空间映射可能有助于了解向在线寻求帮助的幸存者提供最佳资源的方式。因此，本研究进行了探索性地理信息系统 (GIS) “热点”（即推文事件的特殊集群）分析，以检查将包括主题标签 #MeToo 在内的推文与相关经纬度数据（N = 777) 以针对干预措施和资源提供。数据表明，带有#MeToo 标签的推文以与人口密度不一致的方式分散在美国各地，并且集中点出现在其他国家。数据表明，某些地理区域更有动力在线​​讨论性暴力，并且可能更迫切需要与暴力相关的资源。未来的研究应结合对更大 Twitter 数据集的 GIS 分析，以针对从事在线求助的人群提供资源。执法部门、医疗保健机构和学者也可以利用对 Twitter 围绕性别暴力的话语进行的 GIS 分析来制定有针对性的干预措施。