This study originated from the concernthat issue content channels on YouTube, commonly referred to as 'Cyber-Wreckers', strategically utilize misogyny. Recently, theseCyber-Wreckershave been gaining high views and subscriber counts through misogynisti...
This study originated from the concernthat issue content channels on YouTube, commonly referred to as 'Cyber-Wreckers', strategically utilize misogyny. Recently, theseCyber-Wreckershave been gaining high views and subscriber counts through misogynistic video content on the YouTube platform, thereby generating economic benefits. The study was conducted based on the premise that this phenomenon might not be a mere coincidence but a strategic choice. The purpose of this research is to explore thestrategic useof misogyny by issue YouTubers and its effects. To this end, the study analyzed the relationship between misogynistic video content andprofit generation, as well as the impact of discourse strategies on viewers' emotional responses and the formation of social discourse. Based on a qualitative methodology perspective, the study analyzed howCyber-Wreckersutilize misogyny to form and maintain social discourse beyond mere personal gain. This was to deeply understand how misogyny functions strategically in a sociocultural context, carrying significance beyond simple acts.
The study selected videos with over 1.2 million views from thetop 150 domestic YouTube channels by view countas the analysis subjects and conducted an analysis through Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) at the levels of text, discursive practice, and sociocultural practice. Additionally, quantitative methodologies were employed to complement the limitations of the Critical Discourse Analysis method.
The research results indicated that misogynistic video content, due to its provocative and controversial nature, records high views and subscriber counts, which may be effective forprofit generationinitially. However, over time, the subscriber growth rate slows down, suggesting low sustainability in the long term. The textual analysis revealed that words such as 'controversy', 'women', and 'feminism' were repeatedly used, playing a significant role in inducing social controversy and emotional reactions.
At the level of discursive practice, this content tended to form and spread negative perspectives on specific events or individuals, reinforcing viewers' negative perceptions. At the sociocultural practice level, it resulted in the proliferation of gender stereotypes and misogynistic ideologies. The study emphasizes the need for social efforts and education to change these negative perspectives. It also suggests that governmental and platform policy responses are necessary to prevent the spread of misogynistic video content.