Anonymous Expression in an Online Community for Women in China

TL;DR

This study qualitatively analyzes anonymous discussions among Chinese women on social media, revealing key gender issues and cultural contexts to inform better policies and platform designs.

Contribution

It provides the first detailed qualitative analysis of anonymous female discussions on Chinese social media regarding gender issues, highlighting cultural influences.

Findings

Identified 20 common gender-related issues discussed anonymously.

Cheating-partner, controlling parents, and age anxiety are most discussed.

Contextualized findings within Chinese cultural and social expectations.

Abstract

Gender issues faced by women can range from workplace harassment to domestic violence. While publicly disclosing these issues on social media can be hard, some may incline to express themselves anonymously. We approached such an anonymous female community on Chinese social media where discussion on gender issues takes place with a qualitative content analysis. By observing anonymous experiences contributed by female users and made publicly available by an influencer, we identified 20 issues commonly discussed, with cheating-partner, controlling parents and age anxiety taking the lead. The results are placed into context with Chinese culture and expectations about gender. By describing the results in context with the social challenges faced by women in China, and understanding how these issues are anonymously and openly discussed by them, we aim to motivate more policies and platform designs to accommodate the needs of the affected population.