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oai:figshare.com:article/32632569 2026-10-01T17:10:24Z portal_1172 item_type_8 month_year_10_2026

Scripts, selfies and sexting: exploring young women’s engagement with the internet and social media in Northern Ireland Laura Milner (24165081) PUREID: 305779469 Children young people sexting social media use sexual scripting theory This research investigated how girls and young women across Northern Ireland engaged with the internet and social media to express their gender and sexuality in an era of online communication. The study is informed by data collected through eighteen focus group discussions with 196 girls and young women, across twelve post-primary schools and three youth groups in Northern Ireland.<br><br>Guided by sexual script theory, this research evidences how, via the use of contemporary technology, girls and young women are both empowered and constrained by post-feminist ideals and cultural norms, particularly the heterosexual script.<br><br><i>Thesis embargoed until 31 July 2027</i>. 2026-10-01T17:10:24Z Text Thesis 10.17034/32632569.v1 https://figshare.com/articles/thesis/Scripts_selfies_and_sexting_exploring_young_women_s_engagement_with_the_internet_and_social_media_in_Northern_Ireland/32632569 All Rights Reserved Open Access after 2027-07-31