The internet has been praised for its ability to bring people together from all over the world and create an environment where everyone can have a voice.
This is not always the case. Algorithms that power the internet tend to reproduce societal biases against queer voices, limiting their visibility and making it harder for them to be heard. In this article, we will explore how algorithms perpetuate these biases and what can be done about it.
Let's define the term "queer." Queer refers to anyone who does not identify as heterosexual or cisgender. This includes lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, nonbinary, intersex, and asexual individuals, among others. It also encompasses people who identify as pansexual, polyamorous, kinky, and anything else outside of traditional norms. These groups face discrimination and oppression every day, including online.
Algorithms work by scanning text and analyzing patterns. They are designed to provide users with relevant results based on what they search for.
If the algorithm is trained on data that prioritizes straight, white, male perspectives, it will not recognize queer voices.
If a user searches for "relationship advice," the algorithm might show articles written by men about dating women because those are the most commonly shared articles. This excludes queer voices, which may lead to misinformation and further isolation.
Another way algorithms reinforce societal biases is through targeted advertising. Companies use algorithms to analyze users' browsing history and behavior to show ads tailored to their interests. If an algorithm identifies someone as straight, it may show ads for wedding dresses or baby products. Conversely, if an algorithm identifies someone as queer, it may show them ads for LGBTQ+ events or dating sites. This creates a false sense of normalcy around heteronormativity, making it harder for queer individuals to connect with each other.
Algorithms can promote harmful stereotypes about queer people. Search engines may suggest articles that perpetuate negative stereotypes about transgender individuals, such as transgender children being confused about their gender identity or transgender people being inherently dangerous. This reinforces the idea that being queer is abnormal and should be avoided.
So how do we fix this? One solution is to diversify the data used to train algorithms. Companies like Google have taken steps in this direction, including featuring more diverse images in search results and adding tags to identify LGBTQ+ content.
This alone won't solve the problem. Queer voices need to be actively sought out and included in online spaces. This means creating queer-specific platforms where they can share their perspectives freely without fear of censorship or discrimination. It also means encouraging allies to amplify queer voices on social media and elsewhere.
Algorithms are not neutral; they reflect society's biases, both conscious and unconscious. By recognizing this, we can take action to make the internet a safer space for all individuals, regardless of their sexuality or gender identity. Let's work together to create a world where everyone has a voice heard and respected.
How do algorithms reproduce societal biases against queer voices online?
Algorithms can reinforce societal biases against queer voices on online platforms because they are often trained on data that reflects heteronormative perspectives and norms. This means that the algorithms may have difficulty recognizing and categorizing content as queer, which can lead to it being overlooked or underrepresented.