Exposed Online, Endangered Offline: The Intersection of Social Media Presence and Gendered Violence in Pakistan
Abstract
Digital platforms, which offer greater freedom for self-expression and communication, can also expose individuals, particularly women, to heightened risks of harassment and violence, especially in societies where freedom of expression is prioritised. In patriarchal societies like Pakistan, the widespread use of social media tools often leads to online bullying, which can escalate to face-to-face violence. This study explores the growing prevalence of technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV) in Pakistan, focusing specifically on TikTok users in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The study employed a survey and correlation design, with data analysed using statistical software (SPSS). This quantitative study gathered data through structured questionnaires distributed across both formal and informal WhatsApp groups. The findings reveal a strong correlation between women's visibility on TikTok and their exposure to various forms of violence, highlighting the increasingly blurred boundary between online and offline abuse. The research emphasises the urgent need to consolidate responses to TFGBV by strengthening legal protections, raising awareness about digital rights, and challenging the socio-cultural norms that perpetuate gender-based violence.
Keywords: Technology-Facilitated Violence; Gender-Based Violence; Tiktok; Cultural Conservatism
