Written by Yi-Ping Hsieh.
Image credit: Day 389: Command by Amancay Blank / Flickr, license: CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.
The #MeToo movement in Taiwan was sparked by a series of sexual scandals involving numerous celebrities and political figures in June 2023. This movement has created a community that empowers victims and amplifies their voices, raising awareness about gender and sexual equality and the importance of education on these issues. Sexual harassment and assault are closely linked to power dynamics, and women’s refusals of unwanted sexual acts or talks are often culturally misinterpreted as flirtation rather than a firm refusal. Additionally, societal questioning, blame, and stigma surrounding victims’ motivations and behaviours often silence them from speaking out about their experiences of sexual harassment/assault and seeking help.
Sexual harassment can happen to anyone, anywhere, including adolescents in the digital world. This article focuses on unwanted online sexual solicitation (UOSS) among Taiwanese youth.
Understanding Online Sexual Victimization in Taiwan
Taiwan has seen a dramatic increase in internet and social media use among adolescents, leading to heightened concerns over online sexual violence. This broad category includes various forms of online sexual victimization, with UOSS being particularly alarming. UOSS includes requests to engage in unwanted sexual talk or sexual activities or to provide personal sexual information or images to another individual (including peers and adults) online.
Statistics reveal a troubling trend. From February to June 2023, the Department of Protective Services at Taiwan’s Ministry of Health and Wealth reported 1,327 cases of intimate images being disseminated online without consent, five times higher than the same period the previous year. A staggering 66% of these cases involved minors. ECPAT Taiwan, an organization dedicated to combating child sexual exploitation, has also reported a rise in cases of online sexual abuse and solicitation. Only one study in Taiwan has examined UOSS and revealed that within Northern Taiwan, 20% of 10th graders have experienced incidents of UOSS.
The Negative Effects of Online Sexual Victimization
Understanding the severity of UOSS involves recognizing its profound psychological, emotional, and social impacts on young victims. Online sexual victimization can lead to significant psychological distress, including heightened anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The fear of further victimization and the humiliation associated with unwanted exposure can severely affect a young person’s mental health.
Emotionally, victims may suffer from trauma-related shame, including negative evaluations of self, low self-esteem, feelings of worthlessness, and a loss of control over their lives, which can hinder personal development and affect their ability to form healthy relationships in the future. The stigma and shame associated with online sexual victimization can lead to social withdrawal and isolation, making it challenging for victims to trust others and engage in social activities or build new relationships. This isolation can exacerbate loneliness and depression. The trauma from such experiences can also manifest in academic and behavioural changes. Victims may show a decline in academic performance, increased absenteeism, and disruptive behaviour in school settings.
This backdrop highlights the urgent need to understand the dynamics of UOSS among Taiwanese youth, identify risk and protective factors, and develop effective prevention strategies.
A Deep Dive into the Current Study
A comprehensive study conducted in Taiwan sheds light on the dynamics of UOSS among the youth, highlighting both vulnerability and resilience factors. This study, based on the Target Congruence Theory, examines various risk and protective factors associated with UOSS using data from a nationally representative sample of Taiwanese students. The study involved 19,556 students ranging from Grades 5 to 12, with an average age of 15 and an equal gender split. Participants completed an online survey in school settings, ensuring the reliability and consistency of the data collected. Hierarchical linear regression was used to analyze the data and identify significant predictors of UOSS.
This current study found a 15.4% prevalence of UOSS among Taiwanese youth, a significant figure that underscores the seriousness of the issue. Notably, the prevalence was higher among girls (18.9%) compared to boys (11.8%). Several factors were found to significantly correlate with an increased risk of UOSS.
First, Students who experienced bullying were more likely to encounter UOSS. Bullying creates a vulnerability that offenders can exploit, making these youths easy targets. Second, higher levels of psychological distress were strongly associated with UOSS. Adolescents experiencing anxiety, depression, and other psychological issues may have diminished capacities to protect themselves from online predators. Additionally, the frequency and intimacy of online self-disclosure were significant predictors of UOSS. Youths who shared more personal information online were more susceptible to unwanted sexual solicitations. Finally, the amount of time spent online exchanging messages also increased the risk of UOSS. The more time adolescents spend online, the greater their exposure to potential threats.
Conversely, higher self-esteem emerged as a protective factor. Adolescents with a strong sense of self-worth and confidence were less likely to fall victim to UOSS. Self-esteem serves as a buffer against the stress and manipulation tactics employed by online offenders.
These findings offer key implications for preventing UOSS. Boosting adolescents’ self-esteem through self-worth and confidence-building programs can reduce the risk of UOSS and help youths navigate online interactions more safely. Anti-bullying programs and supportive school environments can lower adolescents’ susceptibility to online victimization by reducing bullying incidents. Additionally, education on safe online behaviours is vital, making adolescents aware of the risks of online self-disclosure and the importance of privacy. The allure of immediate rewards often motivates adolescents to share personal information and intimate or sexual images online to seek positive self-presentation, a sense of belonging, and popularity without fully considering the potential risks. Schools and parents should work together to provide practical tools and real-world examples to enhance online safety.
Enhancing media education goes beyond preventing UOSS; it empowers the next generation to navigate the digital landscape with confidence and security. By equipping young people with essential knowledge and skills, we can help them create a safer and more positive online experience free from the threats of online sexual victimization. This involves targeted strategies to address specific risk factors identified through understanding UOSS dynamics. Educating adolescents about online risks and privacy protection can reduce UOSS incidents. Programs that build self-worth and promote healthy online behaviours help adolescents resist manipulation and recover from victimization. Media education also involves training parents and educators to recognize signs of online victimization and respond appropriately. A supportive environment where adults are aware of the risks and can provide guidance and intervention will help mitigate the impact of UOSS and support young victims in their recovery process.
Finally, providing mental health support is another critical aspect. Access to mental health resources can help adolescents resist and cope with unwanted online sexual solicitations.
Conclusion
The rise in internet use among adolescents increases the risks of online sexual victimization. The research mentioned above suggests the need for targeted interventions and a multifaced approach to protect Taiwanese youth from UOSS. Strategies include enhancing self-esteem, tackling bullying, promoting safe online behaviours, and providing mental health support to create a safer online environment for adolescents. By fostering resilience and addressing vulnerability factors, we can better protect our youth in the digital world.
Dr. Yi-Ping Hsieh, an Associate Professor at the Department of Social Work, University of North Dakota, holds a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from Indiana University, Bloomington. Her research focuses on the joint impacts of multidimensional risk and protective factors on behavioural, psychological, and social outcomes across the lifespan, exploring child welfare, internet addiction, online victimization, mental health, and cultural dynamics. She leads several significant child welfare and longitudinal projects.
This article was published as part of a special issue on ‘The #MeToo Movement One Year On.’
Taiwan Insight 