Gender Portrayal in UP Open University Social Media Sites

Abstract

The UP Open University (UPOU) social media sites with about 40,000 followers accross its social media pages is assumed to have a significant role in disseminating information and knowledge for most of its learners both local and offshore. According to The Statistics Portal (statista.com), the number of social media users around the globe is estimated to increase from 2.46 billion in 2017 to 2.77 billion in 2019. Three (3) of four (4) internet users use social media, with women (76%) using social networking sites more than men (72%). This study aims to examine the portrayal and representation of women and men in the graphics and videos posted across UPOU social media sites: Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. This study will make use of Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) as its theoretical and analytic framework. The study will make use of the Gender-Sensitive Indicators for Media (GSIM) by UNESCO (2012) as the analytical tool in analyzing gender portrayal and representation in UPOU social media posts.