DigitalJustice: A Study on Informal Justice and the Effectiveness of Social Media in the Aftermath of Sexual Violence

This thesis examines how college-aged women use TikTok to share their experiences with sexual violence and whether these disclosures serve as a form of informal justice. Through a media analysis of 100 TikTok posts, this study identifies key themes, including community-building, mental health struggles, and frustration with the formal justice system. Findings suggest that survivors primarily use TikTok to seek validation and solidarity rather than legal accountability, often adapting their language to circumvent platform censorship. While informal justice through social media offers survivors a means of control over their narratives, it also exposes them to online backlash and algorithmic suppression. Ultimately, this research argues that TikTok and similar platforms are reshaping public perceptions of justice, challenging the limitations of traditional legal systems.