Digital media, the technology translating all information into numerical form regardless of its medium, has almost penetrated every aspect of the life of the masses. Immersing in a world saturated with digital technology, it seems that individuals are constantly influenced by the digital products that they are exposed to. One aspect of this impact may be their self-cognition and self-expression of gender. Given this background, this essay will combine previous related research results in academia, as well as gender presentation in various digital media forms such as movies, music, video games, social platforms to analyse how digital technology shapes the way in which individual recognize and express their gender identities. Firstly, how digital media may reinforce the gender stereotype will be explored with reference to specific examples of various digital media forms. Secondly, the potential of networked technology for challenging the gender binary will be analysed with supporting cases in life. This will be followed by a reflection of how these two impacts of digital media on the individual under-standing and expression of the gender issue may be achieved. Finally, a conclusion will be made, which argues that digital media may both reinforce and challenge gender stereotypes as it tends to imbue and reinforce hetero gender stereotype (male as hegemonic, masculine and active; female as feminine, affectionate, nurturing, passive and sometimes objectified) in patriarchy on the one hand while also seems to provide an opportunity to deconstruct the traditional gender ideology on the other hand.

Authors:
Jialu Chen, King's College London, United Kingdom

About the Presenter(s)
Ms Jialu Chen is a University Postgraduate Student at King's College London in the United Kingdom

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