Exploring Hegemonic Masculinity in Online Interactions and Behavior

Abstract

Hegemonic masculinity represents in an ideal, but flawed, representation of specific behaviors (e.g. sexual prowess, emotional inexpressiveness, athletic/workplace dominance) that men engage in. The behaviors are prioritized above others forms of masculinity (e.g. nonheterosexualism, feminism,) and rewarded societally; Men who engage in these behaviors are perceived as "masculine". However, not all men express these behaviors or adhere to the belief that these behaviors represent masculinity and are thus ostracized from societal benefits. Men who do not represent these traditional expressions of masculinity have since reaffirmed their masculinity through technological expertise. However, these reaffirmations can come at the cost of other groups, notably women and minorities. The online interactions between the men in these online spaces and women and other vulnerable groups can be disrespectful, threatening and even potentially dangerous. Users who interact online can be emboldened by the anonymity and depersonalization of the internet. They can engage in behaviors and say things that are normally checked by societal standards. The purpose of this study is to examine how online disinhibition moderates the relationship between masculinity and negative behavior online. More specifically, does the online disinhibition effect moderate the relationship between gender role stress (enforced by hegemonic masculinity) and trolling? Utilizing a bivariate correlation analysis, the study seeks to further investigate the relationship. Results of a moderation analysis demonstrated that online disinhibition did not significantly moderate the relationship between gender stress and trolling behavior.