25th Annual Student Research Conference
The Reality of Date Rape and the Spread of Awareness Through Social Media
Sarah K. Walkley* and Rose G. Sparks
Dr. Albert Weitz, Faculty Mentor
This presentation will highlight recent research with regard to the date rape prevention project of Dr. Albert Weitz, Associate Professor of Communication. His student researchers will explore central concepts of his website, including "Twenty Questions," "Red Flags," and "Scripts" as gleaned from focus groups of female Truman students in 2008 and male Truman students in 2010. Additionally, excerpts from the newly developed "Safe Dating 101" Facebook page will be discussed. Research has uncovered the importance of presenting relevant, appropriate information to our Facebook audience and using their feedback in an effort to promote awareness of the social reality of date rape. Presenters will also describe the transformation of the Facebook page and future aspirations for its development as a public resource.
Keywords: date rape prevention, Safe Dating 101, focus groups, social media
Topic(s):Communication
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 315-4
Location: VH 1010
Time: 1:45