Dr Laura Thompson

Department of Sociology

My current research explores the mediation of sexism and misogyny in heterosexual online dating. My PhD thesis brings together two studies: one an examination of screen-grabbed messages posted on Instagram accounts Tinder Nightmares and Bye Felipe, which highlight objectionable attempts from men to “pick up” and aggressive responses to women’s declines; the other a case study-style analysis of interviews with women on their experiences with a range of men’s intrusions – from unwanted sexual messages and images to threats and harassment.

With an academic background straddling sociology and psychology, my main area of research interest is the relationships between constructions of gender and heterosexuality and violence against women. I have discussed my research in the media, speaking on the issues of “cyberflashing”, other forms of gendered online harassment, and on the intersection of racism and sexism faced by women of colour who online date.