Tensions Within Digital Whisper Networks: The Role of Social Media in Framing Narratives of Sexual Misconduct on University Campuses

Whisper networks have long served as informal communication channels for warning individuals about perpetrators of sexual misconduct, particularly in environments where survivors face barriers to formal reporting. With the rise of social media, these networks have expanded beyond private conversations, transforming into public platforms that challenge institutional responses to sexual violence. This study examines the role of anonymous, student-driven social media pages in shaping perceptions of sexual misconduct on university campuses. Through both qualitative and quantitative analyses of Instagram profiles from ten U.S. universities, we explore how these whisper networks validate survivor experiences, advocate for policy changes, and critique institutional accountability. Based on our analysis, we introduce the concept of “digital whisper networks.” Our findings highlight the influence of social media in reshaping discourse around sexual violence, shifting narrative control from perpetrators and institutions to survivors and allies, yet also revealing the complexities and tensions that arise within these networks.