Does Digital Media Access Affect Intimate Partner Violence Among Married Adolescent Girls? Evidence from Longitudinal Survey

Intimate partner violence (IPV), the most common form of violence against women, violates women's fundamental rights and poses a significant public health threat. Evidence on the association between digital media access and intimate partner violence (IPV) among married adolescent girls in developing countries is limited. Using two waves of Understanding the lives of adolescents and young adults (UDAYA) data conducted in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar in 2015-16 and 2018-19, the study examines the association between digital media access and IPV. Adolescents with digital media access were less likely to experience IPV than those who did not have access. The odds of IPV decreased with the increase in the level of education among girls. The likelihood of IPV was significantly higher among girls who engaged in paid work [AOR: 1.39; CI: 1.12- 1.73]. Moreover, the risk of IPV was almost twice among adolescent girls who justified wife beating compared to those who did not [AOR: 1.95; CI: 1.60- 2.36]. PSM results show that 20% points reduced the prevalence of IPV among adolescents because of digital media access. Findings also indicate that among adolescents who did not have digital media access if had digital media access, the IPV is likely to decrease by 11% points. Evidence provided in this study is of interest to policymakers interested in how digital media affects women’s empowerment and global development. Nowadays since almost everyone has access to the internet through either mobile or computer, one has also greater access to information. Easy access to digital media may play a crucial role in the prevention of IPV among adolescent girls in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.