Analyzing YouTube’s Influence on Public Perception of Online Sexual Violence in Korea
Open Access DepositedThis study investigates how YouTube shapes public discourse surrounding online sexual violence in Korea and explores implications for managing this issue on digital platforms. Through a mixed-methods approach, the research examines characteristics of YouTube videos addressing online sexual violence, analyzes manifestations of the issue in video comments, and assesses the prevalence of misinformation and misogynistic content. A sample of 163 Korean-language videos was selected based on relevance and view count. Employing content analysis, the study categorized videos as informational, educational, TV show clips, or news clips. Topic modeling of 6,117 comments revealed major themes, including public understanding of sexual violence, responses to survivor stories, and calls for legal reform. However, 9.9% of a subset of comments contained misogynistic hate speech, while 2.3% spread misinformation, highlighting challenges in moderating harmful content. The findings underscore YouTube's role in disseminating information and facilitating discussions about online sexual violence. Yet the platform's potential to foster a supportive public sphere is undermined by the presence of comments perpetuating gendered stereotypes, myths, and false narratives. This study contributes to research on digital platforms, gender-based violence, and online discourse, offering insights to inform strategies for prevention, content moderation, and survivor support.
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