Archived
This content is available here for research, reference, and/or recordkeeping.
Author ORCID Identifier
Date Available
8-12-2026
Year of Publication
2026
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
College
Communication and Information
Department/School/Program
Communication
Faculty
Jennifer A. Scarduzio
Faculty
Renee Kaufmann
Abstract
In the past, intimate partner violence (IPV) was primarily perpetrated in person. However, due to new mediated communication technologies and capabilities like social media and artificial intelligence (AI), perpetrators can use this technology for various purposes including subjecting others to violence, harassment, and abuse. Such violence can be a form of IPV and is referred to as technology-facilitated violence and abuse (TFVA). TFVA is becoming increasingly prevalent and is encountered by a staggering percent of women. Furthermore, unlike traditional forms of IPV, even men are subjected to TFVA at increasing and disproportionate rates, particularly male teens.
In the current state of communication research, research focusing specifically on TFVA is limited and is lacking in the exploration of issues at the intersection of race and other cultural identifiers. This dissertation applies framing and reception theory in tandem to explore TFVA while using qualitative methods and a critical-cultural lens. Specifically, this dissertation examines social media discourse in response to two contemporary and exceedingly prevalent forms of TFVA, deepfakes and sextortion. This dissertation explicates sociocultural factors embedded in the ways in which these incidents are positioned and presented to the public as well as sociocultural factors present in audience responses. This topic is socially and culturally relevant because it focuses on violence which can be perpetrated using one of the most prevalent forms of communication and social interaction, social media, while also focusing on the current sentiment surrounding this type of violence.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
https://doi.org/10.13023/etd.2026.388
Archival?
Archival
Recommended Citation
Walker, Christina S., "Technology-Facilitated Violence and Abuse: Portrayals and Perceptions" (2026). University of Kentucky Doctoral Dissertations. 873.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/gradschool_diss/873
Included in
Communication Technology and New Media Commons, Critical and Cultural Studies Commons, Domestic and Intimate Partner Violence Commons, Gender and Sexuality Commons, Gender, Race, Sexuality, and Ethnicity in Communication Commons, Mass Communication Commons, Race and Ethnicity Commons, Social Influence and Political Communication Commons, Social Justice Commons, Social Media Commons
