Exploring Female Hypersexualization on Instagram: Mapping and Analysis of Hashtags and Artificial Intelligence-Generated Images

um estudo de caso sobre hashtags e imagens geradas por inteligência artificial

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5209/dcin.104448
Keywords: hashtags, social media, women, text mining, artificial intelligence

Abstract

The objective of this study is to investigate the role of hashtags and advanced AI technologies, such as Generative Adversarial Networks, in amplifying and disseminating hypersexualised images of women on Instagram. Using case study analysis of public Instagram data, data collection involved web scraping techniques and analysis of hashtags related to AI-generated images, particularly those associated with the hypersexualisation of women. A combination of text mining, frequency analysis, and network analysis using Gephi software was utilized to interpret the data. Results indicated that hashtags such as #aigirl, #aiart, and #stablediffusion are frequently used in posts featuring hypersexualised images of women, facilitating the rapid and organised dissemination of such content and raising significant ethical and safety concerns. The study also highlighted the presence of problematic content even in moderated hashtags, revealing limitations in current content moderation practices. In conclusion, while hashtags effectively organise and promote content on social networks, they can also contribute to the propagation of harmful stereotypes and the objectification of women, exacerbated by AI-generated images.

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Author Biographies

Geovana José, Federal University of Goiás

Geovana José holds a Bachelor's degree in Information Management from the Federal University of Goiás (2024) and is a candidate for an MBA in Data Science and Analytics at the University of São Paulo. She is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Communication, specializing in Media and Information, at the Federal University of Goiás. Her research interests include data science, artificial intelligence, social media, and data mining.

Rizia Rocha-Silva, Federal University of Goiás

Doctoral candidate in Health Sciences at the Federal University of Goiás (UFG). Master's in Physical Education from the Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro. Bachelor's in Physical Education from the State University of Bahia. Member of the Human Movement Assessment Laboratory (LAMOVH/UFG), with research in the fields of Epidemiology of Physical Activity, neurological diseases, and the application of Generative Artificial Intelligence.

Douglas Cordeiro, Federal University of Goiás

He is a professor at the School of Information and Communication at the Federal University of Goiás (UFG), coordinator of the Research Group on Technologies and Computing Applied to Information and Communication (GTA/UFG), and a faculty member of the Graduate Program in Communication (PPGCOM/UFG). He holds a postdoctoral degree from the School of Information and Audiovisual Media at the University of Barcelona and a postdoctoral degree in Journalism from Fernando Pessoa University, Portugal, as well as a Ph.D. in Computer Science and Computational Mathematics from the University of São Paulo, Brazil. He is a specialist in applied artificial intelligence from the Federal Institute of Goiás, Brazil, and holds a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science from the Federal University of Goiás, Brazil.

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Published
2026-03-11
How to Cite
José G., Rocha-Silva R. y Cordeiro D. (2026). Exploring Female Hypersexualization on Instagram: Mapping and Analysis of Hashtags and Artificial Intelligence-Generated Images: um estudo de caso sobre hashtags e imagens geradas por inteligência artificial. Documentación de las Ciencias de la Información, 49, 223-233. https://doi.org/10.5209/dcin.104448
Issue
Vol. 49 (2026): Monográfico: Documentación y Moda
Section
Miscellany

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