Gendered Media Literacy and Online Participation in Risk-Prone Digital Environments

Adebimpe Desire Fashina, Olajide L. Ewedairo

Abstract

The growth of digital technologies has made information and communication fa­cilities more accessible, making media literacy a major source of digital engage­ment and empowerment. Nevertheless, even with the similar accessibility and technical skills, there are still significant gender differences in the online interaction especially in the discussion of the public and politics. This paper explores the con­nection between media literacy, digital confidence and online participation through a gendered perspective, discussing why participants with the same level of media lit­eracy skills have varied levels of participation with particular attention to the role of online harassment, self-efficacy and social norms. It used a mixed-methods approach, which involves quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to obtain both quantifi­able trends and experiences. The results indicate that men and women show the same level of media literacy and misinformation detection, but women report lower levels of digital confidence and are less involved in visible online behaviors. Online harassment, and its threat, serves as a significant obstacle to engagement, resulting in self-censor­ship and less visibility. These trends are also supported by social norms that do not en­courage women to express themselves assertively. Notably, non-participation tends to be a strategic reaction to the risk perceived, but not necessarily lack of capability. The research finds that digital participation is not only a skill-based process but also safety, confidence, and structural conditions. It suggests gender sensitivity in media literacy programs, increased online safety measures, and the encouragement of inclusive on­line spaces that allow all users to participate meaningfully.

Keywords: media literacy, gender, online participation, online harassment, self-effi­cacy, intersectionality, digital inequality.