Liza Pol’s research dives into how contraception narratives on TikTok influence women’s understanding of their bodies and choices. Using mixed-methods and a somatechnics framework, her thesis uncovers the interplay between technology, social norms, and intimate health decisions.
Coming from a Liberal Arts and Sciences background, I have always enjoyed exploring societal issues. During my bachelor’s, an introductory course in political communication and data analysis sparked my interest in big data. Social Sciences for a Digital Society combines both worlds, offering the freedom to create your own niche while developing strong data analysis skills.
Before starting the programme, I didn’t have a clear career path, but I knew I wanted to work in the social domain on current issues. I also considered pursuing a research master’s as a solid foundation for a possible PhD in the future.
When deciding on my thesis topic, I started with a vague idea: focusing on women’s health and using mixed-methods research. I reached out to two professors to supervise me: Saartje Tack, who previously guided my internship on endometriosis and sparked my interest through her class on menstrual health apps, and Mariken van der Velden, with expertise in quantitative social media analysis. Together, we chose a topic we all care deeply about: contraception narratives on TikTok.
My research question was: How do digital contraceptive narratives shape and become shaped by women’s conceptualisation of their bodies and contraceptive choices? Using the somatechnics framework, I argue that contraception is not just about accurate information but about how bodies and technology continuously co-shape each other. To explore this, I interviewed eight participants and analyzed over 4,000 TikTok videos with a generative language model, combining qualitative and quantitative insights.
The analysis revealed three dynamics: technologies of knowledge production, showing how medical and peer knowledge interact; technologies of bodily regulation, highlighting norms around what is considered ‘normal’; and technologies of the natural self, reflecting the desire for hormone-free methods supported by digital tools. These findings show that TikTok is not just an information source but a space that shapes how we understand our bodies.
Writing this thesis changed my perspective on health and technology. It taught me that societal norms and digital platforms deeply influence intimate decisions. This experience strengthened my passion for women’s health and the intersection of technology and society, topics I hope to explore further in future research.
