How can social media influence perceptions of sexual assault?

Social media plays a significant role in shaping societal attitudes toward various issues, including sexual assault. The correct answer highlights that it can both spread awareness and influence perceptions of victims and perpetrators.

Through platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, individuals and organizations can raise awareness about sexual assault, educate others about consent, and share personal stories that humanize these experiences. This dissemination of information can empower survivors and foster a supportive community, significantly altering public consciousness around the topic.

Additionally, social media can impact how victims are perceived. Public discussions often shape narratives that either validate or stigmatize victim experiences, influencing how society responds to assault cases. Furthermore, the portrayal of perpetrators in social media narratives can affect public opinion and judgment, leading to shifts in accountability and societal expectations.

Engagement on these platforms can also lead to both positive and negative outcomes, demonstrating the complexity of social media's influence. While it can amplify voices and enable important conversations, it also has the potential to disseminate harmful stereotypes or misleading information, which is not the sole function of social media. Thus, option C comprehensively reflects the dual impact that social media can have on perceptions of sexual assault.