Glass RM Spring 2016 Final

Running head: SEXUAL HARASSMENT THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIA 1
Behind the Screen. Analyzing the Experiences and the Attitudes of Sexual Harassment through
Social Media among College Students
Elizabeth A. Glass
Southern Arkansas University

SEXUAL HARASSMENT THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIA 2
Abstract
Sexual harassment is a prevalent problem committed and suffered by many and college students
are no exception. Sexual harassment has many facets in which it can appear including social
media. Little research has been conducted, but college students may be at the mercy of a greater
amount of sexual harassment via social media. However, students attending universities
supported by federal funding are expected to be protected by Title IX through obligation to the
university. The purpose of this quantitative study was to accumulate experiences of and attitudes
from 50 college students (68.4% being females and 31.6% being males) attending Southern
Arkansas University (SAU) of what is thought to be sexual harassment through online social
media networks including, but not necessarily limited to Facebook, Instagram, Tinder, Tumblr,
Twitter, and Yik Yak. Observed objectives of this study included: do college students understand
what online sexual harassment via social media may include; do attitudes toward online sexual
harassment differ depending on gender; will there be a significant difference over which gender
experiences online sexual harassment more whether as the victim or perpetrator; do victims of
online sexual harassment report the sexual harassment; do college students know how to report
online sexual harassment. Quantitative data were utilized to determine differences of attitudes of
online sexual harassment based on any experiences or lack of experiences involving sexual
harassment as well as having an understanding as to what online sexual harassment includes. The
data collected was used to compare the differing experiences and attitudes among various groups
of SAU based on demographics.
Keywords: Sexual Harassment, Social Media, Bystander Effect, Title IX

Hiding Behind a Screen. Analyzing the Experiences and the Attitudes of Sexual Harassment
through Social Media among College Students
The rise in social media has made way for the rise of online sexual harassment.
Approximately 81% of all wireless internet users are young adults ages 18-29 and of those young
adults 72% use social networking applications and sites regularly (Lenhart, Purcell, Smith, &
Zickuhr 2010). Popular social media applications and websites may include Facebook, Twitter,
Instagram, Tinder, Tumblr, Yik Yak, and Snapchat. A statistical report carried out by Duggan
and Brenner depict that young adults dominate social media platforms with 86% using Facebook,
53% using Instagram (Duggan, Ellison, Lampe, Lenhart, & Madden 2015), 27% using Twitter,
and though no true study has been done for Snapchat, it’s suggested that 77% use the application
(Duggan & Brenner, 2012).
With social media reigning supreme among college students, it’s no surprise that sexual
harassment is an issue. The danger in social media is the ability to hide behind a screen, lying
about one’s age, gender, sexuality, income, or relationship status, but more frightening one’s
intentions all the while preserving the ability to remain totally anonymous with disguised names
or nameless altogether. Social media venues such as Snapchat allow users to send pictures and
videos with a maximum viewing limit of ten seconds. Any evidence of inappropriate sexual
misconduct disappears within that short time frame. Though posts to Facebook, Twitter, and
Instagram don’t disappear within seconds, it does not prevent harassers from taking advantage of
cyberspace to do their dirty work through.
One study found that 24% of females and 8% of males on a college campus had
experienced sexual harassment of some sort (Goodson, McCormick, & Evans, 2001). The issue
with these numbers is the lack of reporting sexual harassment. Often times sexual harassment

especially done over the internet is not recognized as sexual harassment: it’s not understood that
what has happened or is happening is wrong and needs to be reported.
Azy Barak, a researcher who studied sexual harassment that occurs offline and online,
broke sexual harassment down into three subgroups: gender harassment, unwanted sexual
attention, and sexual coercion. Gender harassment entails unsought insults in regards to gender
while unwanted sexual attention refers to the unsolicited mannerisms desiring sexual activities,
and sexual coercion involves the harasser pressuring an individual into sexual undertakings
which could even lead to punishment when rejected (Barak, 2005). Sexual harassment can be
defined beyond Barak’s subgroups. Sexual harassment also includes seductive behavior, sexual
bribery, and sexual imposition (Menon, 2015). Seductive behavior is unwelcome, inappropriate
and abhorrent advances in a sexual fashion. Sexual bribery is the solicitation of sex or other
sexual practices promising a repayment. Sexual imposition is carnal deception or harassment
that’s become assault (Menon, 2015).
Menon gathered data from 25% of full time students attending the university being
researched and nearly half were female and the majority ages 20-24. Findings presented that
females were much more likely than males to recognize sexual harassment as an issue and be the
victims of it. Of those who stated having experienced sexual harassment, only 25% told someone
else and most never made a formal complaint. African American woman are the most likely of
all women to experience sexual harassment (Kwesiga, Luthar, & Tata, 2008). Furthermore, a
study conducted showed that men have more tolerant attitudes towards sexual harassment and
viewed scenarios of sexual harassment of women to be exaggerated (Rankin & Reason, 2006).
These views may be skewed from not having enough understanding as to what sexual
harassment entails.

The lack of filing a formal complaint among college students is attributable to
embarrassment and the fear that action will not be taken to resolve the issue (Menon, 2015).
There’s a vicious cycle. Sexual harassment via the internet isn’t taken highly into account
(Citron, 2009) leading to the distress over action not being taken to put a stop to it; furthermore
resulting in a lack of reporting and unreliable data in regards to online sexual harassment.
Absence of reliable data may actually prevent law enforcement from intervening and answering
to complaints (Bocij, 2004).
Because online sexual harassment has been under researched, there is a lack of laws
protecting internet users in the instance of online sexual harassment (Franks, 2012). Even though
sexual harassment has unfortunately grown spreading virtually anywhere including the internet
and becoming more complex, laws in regards to sexual harassment need updating. Franks sheds
light on a major limitation of current laws; they only treat sexual harassment done in certain
public settings as true and punishable. Online sexual harassment is more often than not played
down by the public, lawmakers, and those who have not been harmed by the lasting effects of
sexual harassment (Citron, 2009). If victims don’t have laws protecting them, they won’t report
(Bocij, 2004) just as the 75% of females of Menon’s study felt they could not report.
The students surveyed for this research analyzing the experiences and attitudes of sexual
harassment through social media attend Southern Arkansas University (SAU). According to the
online SAU student handbook, sexual harassment is defined as a person bullying, speaking
distressing language, slanderous and/or defamatory language, or aggressive words to another
person(s), and also includes stalking. Sexual assault is closely related to sexual harassment in
that it can be a part of or the next up from harassment. The online SAU student handbook defines
sexual assault as attacking or threatening another person in a sexual mean as well as any threats

of physical contact, and making physical contact without consent. SAU is obligated under Title
IX to take initiative in the instance a victim reports such a case.
The purpose of this study is to gather the differing experiences and attitudes of male and
female college students attending SAU of what is considered to be sexual harassment through
online social media planes. Thus far minute research has been done targeting college students’
use of social media, the likelihood of sexual harassment, and whether or not the students
understand when sexual harassment has occurred or if they’ve been a harasser themselves.
When developing this study, five main research questions were considered: (a) Do
college students understand what sexual harassment is via the internet? (b) What are college
students’ opinions or attitudes in regards to online sexual harassment in general, as a victim, or
one who may have been a harasser? (c) What experiences do college students have with sexual
harassment online? (d) How many college students may have been accused of sexual harassment
themselves whether from the harassed individual, the university, and/or law enforcement? (e) Do
college students know what to do if they are the victims of sexual harassment through the
internet; do college students as bystanders know what to do if a peer is sexually harassed through
the internet?
This research is meant to provide SAU as a whole with information to better the
experience for college students even when they are online.
Hypotheses
1) Attitudes, opinions, and personal experiences of the participants will differ according to
gender.
2) Many participants will have actually experienced online sexual harassment.

3) Few participants will have actually been accused of and punished for online sexual
harassment even in the instance that sexual harassment had taken place.
4) Few participants will know what to do if they are the victim or a witness of sexual
harassment through the internet.
Methods
Instrument
For the purpose of this study, a survey was developed and conducted by the researcher in
order to gather data on the differing experiences and attitudes of college students attending SAU
on what is considered to be sexual harassment through social media. The survey consisted of six
demographic items including sex at birth, gender, race, classification, relationship status, and
age. Grouped with the demographic items was a single question requesting the participant to
check off various social media outlets they are currently using or have used in the past including:
Facebook, Instagram, Tinder, Tumblr, Twitter, and Yik Yak. Snapchat was excluded from this
survey, because many articles have heavily covered it’s relation to sexual activity. Thirty-six
questions were asked using the Likert-rating scale of “strongly agree”, “agree”, neutral”,
“disagree”, or “strongly disagree”. Of those thirty-six questions, twenty questions served as a
measurement as to what college students themselves believe to be online sexual harassment. The
remaining sixteen questions of the thirty-six measured college students’ attitudes in regards to
possible mindsets of sexual harassment that occurs online. Fourteen “yes” or “no” questions with
the occasional “not applicable” option drew on any personal experiences of online sexual
harassment including witnessing it or reporting it. One final question asked participants to rank
various social media planes 1 through 6 of where sexual harassment most often takes place based
on personal experience or from what is heard from others. “1” being the most likely, “2” being

very likely, “3” being likely, “4” being somewhat likely, “5” being not very likely, and “6” being
least likely. The instrument was peer reviewed twice by the Institutional Review Board (IRB)
comprised of several peers currently enrolled in Research Methods and those who had taken the
course in the past. Little changes were made, but included excluding three items that were
repetitive and rewording a few questions in order to be better understood and less wordy.
Additionally, an informed consent was provided in order to ethically request volunteers to
participate in the study while ensuring confidentiality to any and all surveys. A copy of the
informed consent is located in Appendix A while a copy of the instrument is located in Appendix
B.
Pilot Study
A pilot study was conducted prior to official data collection. The researcher conducted
the pilot study on a literature class that agree to participate and document any suggested edits.
Upon administering the survey, informed consent forms were distributed to the participants with
the thorough explanation that each survey would be kept confidential, remain anonymous, never
be traced back to the possible participant, and would be used for this research study only. After
signing the consent forms and completing the survey, the researcher reviewed the surveys for
possible feedback. No feedback required any further changes to be made. Data from the pilot
study was included in the final set of data.
Participants and Procedures
Participants included in this study were 50 undergraduate students enrolled at SAU.
Females made up the majority of participants (68.4%, n = 68) then males (31.6%, n = 31). There
were neither transgender males nor transgender females that participated in the study. The

sample consisted of mostly 3rd year students (59.2%, n = 29.6), then 4th year students (28.9%, n
= 14.45), followed by 2nd year students (9.2%, n =4.5), and lastly students of more than 4 years
(2.6%, n = 1.3). None of the participants were 1st year students. Participants were selected
outside of Peace Hall where most surveying usually takes place. Instead, participants were
selected based on which professors allowed the surveys to be given and which students of those
classes chose to take part. Three undergraduate classes were surveyed in total.
An informed consent was provided to all participants requesting that they read the form
in its entirety then sign and date the form if they agreed to participate. Just as the pilot study
participants, all volunteers were assured that each survey would be kept confidential, remain
anonymous, never be traced back to the possible participant, and would be used for this research
study only. The survey was the given to those who signed the informed consent form and agreed
to participate. The survey took approximately 15 minutes for the participants to complete. Upon
completion, the researcher asked if any participants had any further questions regarding the
survey. All survey and consent forms were collected and immediately entered into the computer
using the statistical program SPSS 24. After completion of each survey and prior to entering data
into SPSS, each survey was numbered with no association to the participant, but to further ensure
confidentiality and make data entry more organized and reliable. Participants’ names were never
used.
Results
The purpose of this quantitative study is to gather the differing experiences and attitudes
of male and female college students attending SAU of what is considered to be sexual
harassment through online social media planes. In order to gather a random sampling of

participants, the researcher surveyed three, diverse classes outside of the Psychology building
including one smaller literature class, one large nutrition class, and one large wellness class.
The ultimate goal of this study was to answer the following questions: do college students
understand what online sexual harassment via social media may include; do attitudes toward
online sexual harassment differ depending on gender; will there be a significant difference over
which gender experiences online sexual harassment more whether as the victim or perpetrator;
do victims of online sexual harassment report the sexual harassment; do college students know
how to report online sexual harassment.
Question 1
The first group of items (1 – 20) were set to measure what college students believed to be
online sexual harassment. Each statement in the first set queried for possible and various forms
of sexual harassment through social media (gender harassment, unwanted sexual attention,
sexual coercion, seductive behavior, sexual bribery, and sexual imposition). Items answered with
“strongly agree” or “agree” suggested the participants fully understood what can be considered
online sexual harassment which was the case; almost all participants answered with mostly
“strongly agree” or “agree”.
Figure 1 displays the mean for each statement answered in the first set of questions.
“Strongly agree” represents 1, “agree” represents 2, “neutral” represents 3, “disagree” represents
4, and “strongly disagree” represents 5. The abscissa is labeled “Questions” with numbers 1 – 20
representing each item. The ordinate is labeled “Mean” with numbers 0 – 5 representing the
mean based of the numbers coded to “strongly agree”, “agree”, “neutral”, “disagree”, and
“strongly disagree”. The blue columns represent males while the pink columns represent females

(no transgender persons were surveyed). The mean for any item of both genders never reached
nor exceeded 3 (“neutral”). This illustrates the understanding college students have in regards to
what they believe online sexual harassment to be.
The highest mean for each gender of a particular item was number 16. The item states,
“Sexual harassment includes offering to participate in sexual activities with someone else,” (the
full list of the first group of questions including number 16 can be found on the survey in
Appendix B). The mean for males was 2.62 and the mean for females was 2.46. In this case, the
lower the mean the better.
For any item, a mean of 3 and above would be a reason for concern, but fortunately those
who participated are seemingly knowledgeable of what online sexual harassment may entail.
Figure 1. Display of the mean for each statement of the first set of items.
Question 2
A second set of items (1 – 16) were meant to measure the attitudes of college students in
regards to online sexual harassment. Each statement with the exception of one in the second set
0
1
2
3
4
5
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
Mean
Questions
Results: Question 1
Male
Female

are common myths made about sexual harassment whether on or offline. Items answered with
“strongly disagree” or “disagree” suggested the participants fully understood that the statements
(myths) were not true. Most items were answered with “neutral” or “disagree” in this section.
Figure 2 displays the mean for each statement answered in the second set of questions.
Just as the first set of questions, “Strongly agree” represents 1, “agree” represents 2, “neutral”
represents 3, “disagree” represents 4, and “strongly disagree” represents 5. Again the abscissa is
labeled “Questions” with numbers 1 – 16 representing each item and the ordinate is labeled
“Mean” with numbers 0 – 5 representing the mean based of the numbers coded to “strongly
agree”, “agree”, “neutral”, “disagree”, and “strongly disagree”. The blue columns represent
males while the pink columns represent females. The mean for any item of both genders were
between 3 (“neutral”) and 4.5 (between “disagree” and “strongly disagree”). This illustrates that
the participants’ understanding of what online sexual harassment may entail (Figure 1) coincides
with their attitudes towards online sexual harassment. Ideally, the mean would almost always
reach and exceed 4 (“disagree) though.
The lowest mean for each gender of a particular item was number 11 which is not
so much a myth (since proven otherwise) as the other statements. The item states, “Women are
more likely to experience sexual harassment.” The mean for males was 2.25 and the mean for
females was 2.19. For this particular item the low mean between both genders signifies that most
agree that women are most likely to experience sexual harassment.
Excluding item 11, the lowest mean for each gender of a particular item was number 10.
The items states, “Most people secretly enjoy it when others find them sexually attractive
online,” (the full list of the second group of questions including number 10 including number 11
can be found on the survey in Appendix B). The mean for males was 3.04 and the mean for

females was 3.12. Though the mean of the answers are understandably barely over 3 (“neutral”),
most people do not necessarily secretly enjoy when others find them sexually attractive online.
For any item with the exception of item 11, a mean of 3 and below would be a
reason for concern. Again, those who participated had attitudes that corresponded to their
knowledge of online sexual harassment. Though there are a few questions closer to a mean of 3
(“neutral”), this illustrates that the participants recognize that common myths of sexual
harassment are not true.
This disproves one of the hypotheses for this research that attitudes would vary greatly
among genders, but it does not.
Figure 2. Display of the mean for each statement of the second set of items.
Question 3
Of the 50 participants, 18% (n = 9) felt like they had been the victim of online sexual
harassment. Of that 18%, 75% were females. Since 18% seems like a minute number, using the
recorded statistic that for every 50 people 18% will have experienced online sexual harassment
to convert to a greater number. Taking into consideration the approximate total enrollment at
SAU is 3,500 and the recorded statistic, 630 students will have experienced online sexual
0
1
2
3
4
5
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
Mean
Questions
Results: Question 2
Male
Female

harassment. Also using the same statistic that of those 630 students 75% would be female
suggest that 473 females will have experienced online sexual harassment.
This disproves the hypothesis that many participants will have experienced online sexual
harassment. Though 18% of 50 represents a seemingly small number, a greater sample size may
have aided in answering the hypothesis more appropriately. Regardless of many or few
participants having been the victims of online sexual harassment, there were still victims.
No results indicated that any of the participants were ever accused of nor punished for
online sexual harassment suggesting that they either never actually sexually harassed another
person online or the victim never reported it (not a surprising circumstance in regards to the
following question answered).
This does not prove nor disapprove the hypothesis that few participants will have ever
been accused of or punished for online sexual harassment, because of the lack of reporting
documented. There is no way through this particular study for this hypothesis to be proved or
disproved officially.
Question 4
Of the 18% of participants that felt like they had been the victim of online sexual
harassment, only one individual had reported the instance even though 75% recorded that they
do know how to report online sexual harassment.
Question 5
In total, over half of the participants did not know how to report online sexual harassment
(52.6%) while less than half of the participants did (47.4%). Though the percentage of those who

know how to report online sexual harassment and those who do not know how to report are
close, it still strongly suggests students need to be better informed on how to report online sexual
harassment to the university.
Unfortunately, this proves the hypothesis that most participants will not know how to
report online sexual harassment. Though the numbers are relatively close, it would be ideal to
see a much greater number of those who knew how to report online sexual harassment as
opposed to those who did not.
Discussion
The ultimate purpose of this research was to gather the differing experiences and attitudes
of college students attending SAU of what is considered to be sexual harassment through social
media by presenting various statements that required a “strongly agree”, “agree”, “neutral”,
“disagree”, or “strongly disagree” answer. Additionally, statements that required a “yes” or “no”
answer were presented to further gather differing experiences in regards to online sexual
harassment. In addition to noting differences between males and females, the study was also
constructed to see if there was a difference of experiences and attitudes of different races,
classifications, relationship status, and age. This research is meant to provide SAU as a whole
with information to better the experience for college students even when they are online as well
as educate students on Title IX in order to promote a safe and comfortable environment.
Facebook was the most used social media among the participants (97% were
users). Instagram at a close second (94%) followed by Twitter (85%), Tumblr (23%), Yik Yak
(21%), and Tinder (15%). Participants ranked each plane of social media by what they
considered or had heard from others to be the platform where the most sexual harassment does or

would occur. A rank of 1 – 6 was used to rank the six social medias listed (1 being the most
likely and 6 being the least likely). Though only 15% of the participants use Tinder, it was
considered to be the most likely (44% ranking it number 1) of social medias for sexual
harassment to take place. Tumblr was considered the least likely (35% ranking it number 6) of
social medias for sexual harassment to take place.
Results of the research indicated that fortunately most students seemed to understand
what online sexual harassment included. Also, many students had not experienced online sexual
harassment themselves, but of those who did only 2.25% reported it. 40.8% circled “yes” to
having witnessed online sexual harassment, but of those 40.8% only 6.6% intervened to defend
the victim presenting the bystander effect even online to be a great issue.
Though each participant ranked each social media accordingly, some participants may
have never used certain social medias. Though they were requested to rank each social media by
personal experience or from what they hear from others, they could not have been completely
sure having not utilized certain social medias. After reviewing and documenting all the data, this
could be perceived as a limitation.
No significant differences between race, classification, nor age were obvious with the
questions presented. Any significant differences that occurred, took place between gender (male
and female – no participants were transgender) or relationship status (in a relationship or single
were the two most prevalent statuses). A particular item in regards to a gender difference answer
was, “Sexual harassment includes: Making comment on a particular person’s post about sex and
sexual actions.” The significant difference between males and females were merely that males
mostly answered with “agree” and females mostly answered with “strongly agree”. Any and all
items concerning gender differences were this way. A particular item in regards to a relationship

status difference answer was, “Most are flattered when they get sexual attention from others
online.” Those in a relationship answered with “agree” while those who are single answered with
“neutral” which was the case with any and all other items concerning relationship status
differences.
From this study it could not be determined that African American females experience
sexual harassment more often than any other gender or race as Kwesiga, Luthar, and Tata had
previously documented (2008). The sample size would need to be greater in order to properly
determine if that were the case on SAU’s campus.
Also in regards to previous research of Menon (2015), females did not particularly
heavily recognize sexual harassment over males, but did more often answer with “strongly
agree” or “strongly disagree” when the answer to an item would ideally be “strongly agree” or
“agree” and “strongly disagree” or “disagree” whereas males usually answered “agree” or
“disagree”. Again, the sample size would need to be greater in order to see a significant
difference if any were present at all. Additionally, from this study males did not present to be
more tolerant of sexual harassment than females nor did males show to believe that reports of
sexual harassment are exaggerated. In fact, question 5 of the second set of items stated, “People
who have claimed they have been sexually harassed are usually exaggerating.” The statement
required an answer of “strongly agree”, “agree”, “neutral”, “disagree”, and “strongly disagree”.
18 participants responded with “strongly disagree”, 23 with “disagree” 5 with “neutral”, 3 with
“agree”, and 1 with “strongly agree”. All females answered with “disagree” or “strongly
disagree” with the exception of 3 who answered “neutral”. Males also mostly answered with
“disagree” and “strongly disagree” except 2 who answered “neutral”, 3 who answered “agree”,
and 1 who answered “strongly agree”. This would be the only bit of information that would

suggest that males would believe claims of sexual harassment to be exaggerated, but it’s not very
strong data. It would be best had the sample size been greater and not just doubled, but even
greater.
73.7% of participants are aware of what Title IX is and 61.8% are aware of SAU’s
obligation to take initiative in the instance a victim reports a case of sexual harassment even via
social media. This suggests that most participants have been well versed in regards to their
safety. Students do need more educating in how to report online sexual harassment to the school
in the instance of sexual harassment occurring. Additionally, they need to be assured and
informed of their rights to privacy and protection as a student of SAU as well as the Title IX
committee and other resources.

References
Barak, A. (2005) Sexual harassment on the internet. Social Science Computer Review, 23(1). 77-
92
Bocij, P. (2004) Camgirls, blogs, and wish lists: How young people are courting danger on
the internet. Safer Communities, 3(3). 16-22
Brenner, J., & Duggan, M. (2013) The demographics of social media users: 2012. Pew Research,
1-14
Citron, D. (2009). Law’s expressive value in combating cyber gender harassment. Michigan Law
Review, 108(3). 373-415
Duggan, M., Ellison, N.B., Lampe, C., Lenhart, A., & Madden, M. (2015). Social media update
2014. Pew Research, 1-17
Franks, M. (2012). Sexual Harassment 2.0. Maryland Law Review, 71(3)
Goodson, P. Deborah, M. & Evans, A. (2001). Searching for sexually explicit materials on the
internet: An exploratory study of college student’s behavior and attitudes. Archives of
Sexual Behavior, 30(2), 101-118
Kwesiga, E., Luthar, H. K., & Tata, J. (2008). A model for predicting outcomes of sexual
harassment complaints by race and gender. Employ Respons Rights, 21, 21-35
Lenhart, A., Purcell, K., Smith, A., & Zickuhr, K. (2010). Social media and mobile internet use
among teens and young adults, Pew Research, 1-51
Menon, J. A. (2015) Sexual harassment: A myth or reality in academia? Annamalai International
Journal of Business Studies and Research, 27-29

Rankin, S. R., & Reason, R. D. (2006). College students’ experiences and perceptions of
harassment on campus: An exploration of gender differences. The College Student Affairs
Journal, 1, 12-13.

Appendix A
Participant Informed Consent Form
You are invited to take part in a research study.You were chosen for the study because of yourstatus as a college
student.Please read this form and ask questions you may have before acting on this invitation to be in the study.
This study is being conducted by Southern Arkansas University (SAU) student Elizabeth Glass.
Background Information:
The purpose of this quantitative study is to gather the differing experiences and attitudes of sexual harassment
through social media among college students attending Southern Arkansas University. Results of the study will be
accessible to all participants and the general public.
Procedures:
If you agree to participate in this study,you will be asked to complete a survey designed by the researcher. The
survey consists ofconfidential demographic information, fifty-one items, and will take approximately 15 minutes to
complete.
Voluntary Nature of Study:
Your participation in this study is voluntary. This means that your decision will be respected whether or not y ou
choose to participate in the study.No one at SAU or affiliated with you will treat you differently based on your
decision to participate or not.If you decide to consent now,you can still change your mind later. No incentives will
be provided for participating in research.
Risks and Benefits of Being in the Study:
There are no risks or benefits to participating in the study.In the event you experience distress or anxiety during
your participation in the study,you may terminate your participation at any time. You may refuse to answer any
questions you considerinvasive or stressful
Compensation:
There will be no incentives for participating in this research.
Confidentiality:
Any information you provide will be kept confidential. In any report of this study that might be published, the
researcher will not include any information that will make it possible to identify a participant. Confidentiality is
further ensured by not asking participants for their names.
Contacts and Questions:
You may ask questions nowor if you have questions later, you may contact the researcher at
eaglass1488@muleriders.saumag.edu. You may also contact Dr. Deborah Wilson, Chair of Behavioral & Social
Sciences and Title IX member at djwilson@saumag.edu or by phone at 870-235-4324.
Statement of Consent:
I have read the above information and feel I understand the study well enough to make a decision about my
involvement. My signature below indicates I am agreeing to the terms described above and consent to participate in
the study.
Signature of Participant: ________________________________________ Date:________________

Appendix B
Please circle the answer that applies to you. All responses are confidential.
Sex at Birth: Male Female
Gender: Male Female Transgender Male Transgender Female
Race: African African-American Asian/Pacific Islander Caucasian
Hispanic Middle Eastern Native American
Classification: 1st
Year 2nd
Year 3rd
Year 4th
Year 4th
Year +
Relationship Status: Cohabitating In a Relationship Married Open Relationship
Single Married – Separated Single – Divorced
Age: ________
Check all that apply:
I use or have used:
__ Facebook __ Instagram __ Tinder __ Tumblr __ Twitter __ Yik Yak
This portion of the survey is a measurement of what college students themselves believe to be online
sexual harassment.
Online sexual harassment includes:
1. Sexist comments.
Strongly Agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly Disagree
2. Sending pictures of sexual body parts to someone without asking them first.
3. Asking for pictures of sexual body parts from strangers.
4. Asking for pictures of sexual body parts from friends.

5. Not taking “no” for an answer when denied sexual images, sexual conversation, or physical
sexual contact.
6. Posting sexual images of someone that they had privately shared with another person.
7. Threatening rape even as a joke.
8. Making comments on a particular person’s posts about sex and sexual actions.
9. Making comments on a person’s posts about sex and sexual actions with that person.
10. Sending pornographic content to others randomly or without warning.
11. Posting links that are supposed to lead to one site, but lead to a pornographic site instead.
12. Making reference to one’s own sexual body parts to someone else.
13. Making reference to someone else’s sexual body parts to that person.
14. Making reference to one’s own sex life to someone else.
15. Making reference to someone else’s sex life to that person.
16. Offering to participate in sexual activities with someone else.
17. Insinuating participating in sexual activities with someone else.
18. Posting or sending drawings of nudity for others to see.
19. Threatening harm to others in order to get sex.

20. Offering a reward to others in order to get sex.
This portion of the survey is a measurement of college students’ attitudes in regards to possible
mindsets in regards to sexual harassment that occurs online.
1. If a person does not make a complaint, it probably was not serious enough to be sexual
harassment.
2. Most people are flattered when they get sexual attention from others online.
3. People should not take offense when a person expresses sexual interest online.
4. People who claim sexual harassment have usually done something to cause it.
5. People who claim that they have been sexually harassed are usually exaggerating.
6. Claims of online sexual harassment should not be taken too seriously.
7. People who wait several weeks or months to report sexual harassment are probably just making it
up.
8. People can usually stop unwanted sexual attention by simply telling the person that their behavior
is unwanted.
9. Nearly all instances of sexual harassment would end if the person simply told the harasser to stop.
10. Most people secretly enjoy it when others find them sexually attractive online.
11. Women are more likely to experience sexual harassment.

12. Men are more likely to experience sexual harassment.
13. Sexual harassment is limited to making comments about sex and sexual body parts ONLY.
14. People who say “no” to sending or receiving nude pictures are just playing hard to get
15. If someone posts sexual comments on someone else’s social media, it’s their business
16. Witnessing sexual harassment online does not require the witness to intervene
This portion of the survey drawson any personal experiences of online sexual harassment.
1. Have you ever felt like you were the victim of online sexual harassment?
Yes No
2. Do you feel like you were the victim of online sexual harassment within the past six months?
Yes No
3. If you have ever been the victim of online sexual harassment including in the past six months, did
you report it?
Yes No Not Applicable
4. Do you know how to report online sexual harassment?
Yes No
5. Do you know someone who has ever felt like they were sexually harassed online?
Yes No
6. Do you know someone who has felt like they were sexually harassed in the past six months?
Yes No
7. Did that person(s) ever report being sexually harassed including in the past six months?
8. Have you ever witnessed online sexual harassment?
Yes No

9. Did you defend the victim by trying to stop the harasser?
10. In any case of online sexual harassment,do you know of the harasser ever being punished?
Yes No
a. By the university? Yes No Not Applicable
b. By law enforcement? Yes No Not Applicable
11. Have you ever been accused of online sexual harassment?
Yes No
12. Have you ever been punished because of online sexual harassment accusations?
Yes No
a. By the university? Yes No Not Applicable
b. By law enforcement? Yes No Not Applicable
13. As a college student are you aware of what Title IX stands for in regards to your safety and
comfort?
Yes No
14. As a college student are you aware that SAU is obligated to take initiative in the instance a victim
reports a case of sexual harassment even via social media?
Yes No
15. In order 1-6 (1 being the most likely and 6 being the least likely), rank where sexual harassment
most often takes place in your own experience or from what you hear from others.
__ Facebook __ Instagram __ Tinder __ Tumblr __ Twitter __ Yik Yak
Thank you forparticipating in this very important survey and providing honest feedback. If you believe
you or someone you knowis experiencing online sexual harassment, reach out and get help.Contact Dr.
Deborah Wilson at (870) 235-4324 or djwilson@saumag.edu as well as any otherTitle IX committee
member listed on the SAU website.

Glass RM Spring 2016 Final

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