Formation of safe spaces in gendered online communities: reddit and "the front page of the internet"

Abstract

Using a grounded theory approach (Strauss & Corbin, 1990), this research began with netnographic research exploring the culture of a women's subreddit, TwoXChromosomes, and the motivations 2X members have for participating in this community. Despite criticisms that the reddit culture is misogynistic and not female-friendly (Chen, 2012; Southern Poverty Law Center, 2012; Zuckerman, 2012), and primary data suggesting that many people in 2X share this perception, the theme of 2X existing as a "safe space" or "safe haven" within the hostile environment of reddit emerged from the data as particularly salient. In order to further explore this theme, the author conducted questionnaires of both the 2X community and community moderators along with the continued netnography.