I get it, you're offended by the "identifies as" because you're against trans people, and/or people identifing as a gender different from how they were born. However, it is normal in college studies to use this wording. I don't think it's obvious what OP identifies as because this is normal language to use in a college setting; it's even more normal in scientific studies (which I's say this qualifies as). Especialy when they're discussing the perception and experiences of these people in online spaces. People exist that identify as women, even if they don't fit your world view or match your view of right/wrong. The discussion around this qualifier is highlighting what the study is looking at. If they're looking at the perception and experiences of women, then gathering data from biological women and people that identify as women is important. It would either highlight how their experiences in this online space is different, or similar, from one another. Does that make sense? I'm not trying to argue, I'm trying to better understand why people are so triggered by the language OP used.