An Exploratory Study of Feminist Experiences In Cyberspace

The purpose of this study is to determine the kinds of experiences women Webdesigners have on the Internet. Specifically, the research examines the impact these experiences have in terms of women's Internet website activities, Internet personal activities (such as E-mail) and non-Internet personal and/or social activities. The study is based on 17 in-depth, semistructured online interviews with self-identified feminists who are Web designers of feminist sites. Interviews were conducted through E-mail and explored various online experiences. Previous research suggests a contradictory and often conflictual relationship between women and technology. However, the specific relationship between women and the Internet has received relatively little attention. This article addresses women's positive and negative experiences. For example, flaming, spamming, harassing posts (in different contexts), and sexual harassment are some negative reactions to women who include feminist thought on their websites. Positive responses received by women often serve to encourage online activities for women and create a network or community of women on the Internet. The intention of this research is to investigate whether Internet is indeed a medium that gives "voice" to women and women's issues.