Media Models for Nonviolence: Instagram Representations of the #Womensmarch Mass Mobilization News and Audience Engagement

Abstract

This research explores representation of the massive but peaceful demonstrations for women’s rights in 2017 on Instagram. Employing the framework provided by the protest paradigm in a content analysis of Instagram posts, results indicate coverage was most often framed with positive emotional behaviors and movement demands and agendas, by mainstream media producers, influencers, and other news curators on the site. Findings indicate media account type, rather than content features, may be the most influential engagement factor.