#MeToo Empowerment Through Media: A New Multiple Model for Predicting Attitudes Toward Media Campaigns

Authors

  • Osnat Roth-Cohen Ariel Universiry
  • Vered Ne'eman-Haviv Ariel University
  • Hagit Bonny-Noach Ariel University

Keywords:

#MeToo, gender, campaign, attitudes, social media, Israel

Abstract

Focusing on exposure level and attitudes of the Israeli public, in the context of gender differences, we look at the #MeToo campaign in social media. To identify whether attitudes toward #MeToo mirror attitudes toward media as a channel of social norms, data were gathered from a survey distributed to 617 participants: 253 ((40.9% men and 364 (59.1%) women, with an average age of 34.5, SD 10.83. More than 90% of the participants were familiar with the #MeToo campaign. Most participants supported the campaign and its objectives, while positive attitudes toward the media were significantly related to positive attitudes toward the #MeToo campaign. Significant gender differences were found in attitudes toward the ability of the media to influence social norms and toward the #MeToo campaign. Women have more positive associations with #MeToo than men; hence, the #MeToo campaign is representative of women taking a positive stance toward media and social change. This research offers a new multiple model for predicting attitudes toward media campaigns, revealing that attitudes toward the #MeToo campaign are influenced by perception of the media.

Author Biographies

Osnat Roth-Cohen, Ariel Universiry

Dr. Osnat Roth-Cohen (Phd) is a lecturer in Communication and Media Studies at the school of Communication, Ariel University and at the school of Communication, Bar-Ilan University. Dr. Roth-Cohen is a research fellow in the institute for the study of new media, politics and society in Ariel University. Dr. Roth-Cohen's' research interests include the evolution of advertising, creative in advertising, advertising in the new-media age and public relations. 972-54-4887882 

Vered Ne'eman-Haviv, Ariel University

Dr. Vered Ne'eman- Haviv (Phd) is a lecturer in Criminology at the depatment of Criminology, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Ariel University,  Israel. 972-52-8482672

Hagit Bonny-Noach, Ariel University

Dr. Hagit Bonny-Noach (Phd) is a lecturer in Criminology at the depatment of Criminology, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Ariel University,  Israel.972-52- 2867572 

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Published

2019-10-29

Issue

Section

Articles