Queer experiences are those that are outside of the normative, heterosexual, and gender binary understandings of society. These experiences can include non-binary identities, fluid genders, and multiple identities. Queer people may have different ways of understanding their own identities and desires, which can impact how they interact with technology like artificial intelligence (AI) assisted recommendation systems, digital curation, and personalization.
One example is the way queer people interact with online dating platforms. Some queer people may be looking for casual hookups, while others may be seeking long-term relationships. This can affect what types of matches they see and how they respond to them. Similarly, some queer people may be interested in certain types of pornography, while others may prefer to avoid it entirely. This can influence the types of recommendations they receive from an AI system.
Another aspect is the way queer people curate their social media presence. They may choose to showcase aspects of themselves that feel comfortable or safe, but also want to find connections with people who share similar interests and values. This can lead to a more personalized experience when using social media platforms, as algorithms learn to provide more relevant content based on user activity.
Personalization can be especially important for queer people who face discrimination or marginalization in other parts of their lives. They may seek out spaces where they feel seen and understood, and this can inform the types of products and services they engage with.
A queer person might use a service that prioritizes diversity and inclusivity in its offerings, rather than one that caters only to heteronormative individuals.
There are challenges to incorporating queer experiences into these technologies. Firstly, there is a lack of data on queer experiences, which can make it difficult to create accurate recommendations. Secondly, there is a risk that algorithms could reinforce stereotypes about queer people, such as assuming all queer women are femme-presenting or that all transgender people identify as nonbinary. Lastly, there is a need for privacy and security, as queer users may not want their identities revealed to third parties without consent.
Queer experiences can inform how we design AI-assisted recommendation systems, digital curation, and personalization. By considering these unique perspectives, we can create technology that better serves all communities, including those that have historically been excluded from mainstream media and technology spaces.
How do queer experiences of identity formation inform AI-assisted recommendation systems, digital curation, and personalization?
Queer identities are complex and diverse. They involve various dimensions such as gender, sexuality, culture, race, ability, class, and others. Queers may experience discrimination, oppression, marginalization, and violence due to their identities that can negatively affect their wellbeing and mental health. These experiences influence how they navigate the world, including social media platforms where algorithms process data to make recommendations.