Social media use increases the risk of stigmatization for women

Abstract

In the context of deep social media penetration, this study focuses on female users aged 18-45 in China. Through 281 valid questionnaires and qualitative analysis, it reveals the stigmatization risks they face. The research finds that over 60% of women experience occupational devaluation, nearly 80% face appearance humiliation, and more than half have undergone moral judgment. Traditional gender stereotypes are amplified through platform dissemination and algorithm mechanisms, exacerbating group polarization and the "spiral of silence," while the platform's "traffic-first" logic tolerates controversial content. Stigmatization leads to self-censorship, social withdrawal, reduced social trust, and intensified gender opposition among women. To address this, a collaborative solution is proposed: technical governance (optimizing AI recognition, establishing a credit system), legal improvement (clarifying responsibilities, specialized legislation), and social education (promoting equality awareness, encouraging female mutual support). This aims to build an inclusive digital ecosystem and promote gender equality.