Race, gender, and electronic surveillance in intimate relationships

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-2025

Abstract

This study uses qualitative survey data and Uncertainty Reduction Theory to examine the digital monitoring practices of Black and Latinx women in intimate relationships. Approximately 46% of participants had engaged in intimate surveillance, suggesting that casual monitoring behaviors are now commonplace. Justifications for monitoring include reassurance-seeking, suspected infidelity, maladaptive coping, distrust, early relationship uncertainty, and consensual monitoring agreements. We find that a higher percentage of Latinx women compared to Black women engage in monitoring, and that younger women, regardless of race, are more likely to monitor their intimate partners than older women. Some participants objected to monitoring, describing the practice as excessive and citing trust and privacy concerns. This study contributes to current understandings of intimate partner surveillance practices by contextualizing women of color’s social media monitoring practices.

Publication Source (Journal or Book title)

Communication Monographs

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