Semester of Graduation
Fall 2023
Degree
Master of Mass Communication (MMC)
Department
Mass Communication
Document Type
Thesis
Abstract
This study delves into the digital landscape of the contentious abortion debate, focusing on the use and hijacking of the Shout Your Abortion hashtag. Drawing parallels to previous research on digital feminism, hashtag activism, and hashtag hijacking, this study further expands such literature by revealing shifts in anti-abortion rhetoric and strategies post-Dobbs. I identified seven themes within the supportive discourse: abortion narratives, pro-choice and other feminist rhetoric, calls to action, feminist art and shareables, reproductive health information and resources, positive-to-neutral mentions of the movement, and engagements with anti-abortion users. Within the hijacked posts, I identified five themes: Shout Your Abortion backlash, engagement with pro-choice users, posts from anti-abortion or conservative organizations, anti-abortion memes and shareables, and a lack of calls to action. This exploration not only sheds light on the digital evolution of the abortion debate, but also offers implications for the broader intersection of social media, political discourse, and societal polarization.
Date
11-14-2023
Recommended Citation
Reynen, Sidney R., "From Empowerment Movement to Hijacked Hashtag: A Thematic Analysis of #ShoutYourAbortion" (2023). LSU Master's Theses. 5857.
https://repository.lsu.edu/gradschool_theses/5857
Committee Chair
Ramirez, Fanny
Included in
Communication Technology and New Media Commons, Feminist, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Commons, Gender, Race, Sexuality, and Ethnicity in Communication Commons, Mass Communication Commons, Social Media Commons