Digital Vigilantism in China’s Media Industry: The Intersectional Risks for Women Job Seekers

Zining Zhu

doi:10.54691/4qfr9519

Authors

Zining Zhu

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54691/4qfr9519

Keywords:

Digital vigilantism, participatory surveillance, intersectionality, gender inequality in media hiring.

Abstract

This study looks at how digital vigilantism and participatory surveillance make gender inequality worse in journalism jobs in China. It focuses on women job seekers and uses intersectionality theory to show how gender, age, and class together increase career risks. Through real cases and academic research, the paper shows that women often face more online checks, self-censorship, and unfair treatment from platform algorithms. Young women may be seen as “too outspoken”, while older women may be ignored for not using social media enough. The study also explains how platform rules and job standards push women to stay quiet and follow expected norms. This removes diverse and critical voices from the media. The paper ends with suggestions for fairer hiring and better digital rules that care about gender issues.

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