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It’s all about attitude - not about being a porn star!

A short preview of a Danish research project was given by the two researchers, Laura Richardt and Mette Gram in March 2006. The aim of the project is to map the chat culture of a particular group of young girls between 14 and 16, who seem to be girls without limits.

"Miss Bitch. I’m sorry that I’m perfect, and you’re not." This statement is taken from the profile of one of these young girls 'without limits', whose profiles contain pictures portraying themselves as a cool ‘diva' or 'bitch’ on Danish site, Arto.

Their choice of chat name says it all, DiirtyLiicious, Mizz-Sexii and NaughtyGirl. The image of being a 'bitch' is copied from hip-hop music videos and reality TV with singers and celebrities such as Paris Hilton and Cristina Aguilera.

But why do these young girls show photos of themselves in a more or less undressed manner at their profiles? BootyliiiCi0us, a 14 year-old girl, says, "I’ve tried having a profile without pictures, but no one visited or wrote in my guestbook. So I went back to having lots of pictures of myself."

These girls face the tough dilemma of having to choose an identity that attracts attention in order to have fun in the chat. However, when asked about the photos on other girls profiles, the answer is, "They're crossing the line. They’re cheap!" When confronted with the fact that they themselves show similar pictures on their profile, they answer, "But that’s different! It's just for fun."

The preview of a conclusion points towards a chat culture among girls, where they themselves define the thin line between being playing the 'cool diva/bitch' and really being one. In fact, when young girls put pictures online, and imitate their idols by dressing, talking and behaving in a provocative way, it's partly to seek attention. As such, it's important to remember that it's all about attitude. When these young girls play with their identity on the chat, there are not necessarily any sexual motives.

The research project runs until May 2006 and the findings will be published by The University of Copenhagen.

Author: Brit Sung Kyung Kim Bech, Project Officer, The Media Council for Children and Young People
Published: Tuesday, 4 Apr 2006
Last changed: Thursday, 22 Jun 2006
 
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