Abstract:
In our interconnected world, digital spaces have become a vital hub for socializing, self-expression, and forming communities. However, not all digital spaces are created equal. For marginalized groups, online platforms can often feel like battlegrounds filled with discrimination and harassment. This is where digital safe spaces come in – online spaces designed to offer refuge, inclusivity, and support.
My research dives into these digital safe spaces, shedding light on what makes them work and why they matter, particularly in the context of the video game industry. From women game developers to politically charged conversations in gaming, my studies explore how these spaces help foster a sense of safeness, belonging, and even personal transformation.
Through a series of studies and a book chapter, I examine the characteristics of digital safe spaces, the ways they are cultivated, and their potential to spark social change. These spaces are not just shelters; they are dynamic environments where participants can grow, connect, and thrive. By understanding how digital safe spaces function and what they mean to those who use them, this research highlights their transformative power for individuals, particularly marginalized groups. This work offers insights into how we can make online communities safer and more inclusive for everyone.
Faculty opponent:
Professor Øystein Sæbø, University of Agder, Norge
Grading committee
- Professor Brad McKenna, Norwich Business School, UK
- Associate professor Silvia Maseiro, University of Oslo, Norge
- Associate professor Dina Koutsikouri, Department of Applied Information Technology, University of Gothenburg
Link to fulltext version of the thesis
