Online platforms have changed the way people access and interact with cultural products, especially those related to gender and sexual minorities. Social networks are now an essential channel for creative production and dissemination, but also for promotion and critique.
They come with their own rules that shape what can be shared and how it will be seen. This essay will discuss how these algorithms impact the creation, visibility, and reception of queer artistic work in digital environments and explore some examples that illustrate this influence.
Creation: Algorithms determine which contents appear in your newsfeed and search results, so they shape the range of references available to artists working with LGBTQ+ themes.
YouTube's recommendation system may suggest videos about drag shows even if you haven't searched for them explicitly, thus expanding your exposure to gender-bending performances and subverting traditional standards of masculinity or femininity. Similarly, Instagram's hashtag suggestions connect users with new perspectives on identity politics or romantic relationships through tags like genderfluidity, polyamory, and transpride. These features broaden horizons, encourage experimentation, and provide inspiration for future projects.
Visibility: Social media algorithms prioritize engagement metrics like likes, comments, and shares, creating a competitive environment where attention is scarce. Queer artists need to produce eye-catching content to stand out among the rest and get noticed by potential patrons and collaborators. But algorithmic filters may censor their work because they violate community guidelines (e.g., nudity, violence) or lack popular appeal. Some platforms have implemented measures to promote diverse voices, such as Facebook's Pride campaigns or TikTok's creator funds for underrepresented groups.
These initiatives are not always effective due to limited resources or unequal access between different communities.
Reception: The visibility of queer artistic production depends also on how audiences respond to it online. Algorithms analyze user behavior to recommend similar contents based on their preferences, interests, and patterns. If enough people find a video entertaining or enlightening, they will show it to more people who might appreciate its message too. This dynamic can be exploited by trolls and haters who try to silence marginalized voices or limit discussions about sexual minorities. Social networks must balance freedom of speech with safety policies, which often lead to censorship and silencing of dissenting views.
Social media algorithms affect the creation, visibility, and reception of queer artistic work in digital environments by expanding horizons, promoting diversity, but also shaping perceptions and imposing limits. These systems are complex and difficult to control but should not discourage creative expression or reduce the visibility of minority perspectives. Queer artists need to understand how they operate and use them strategically while staying true to their vision and values. They should also rely on alternative platforms that offer greater support and autonomy when necessary.
How do social media algorithms shape the creation, visibility, and reception of queer artistic work in digital environments?
Queer artists have been using social media platforms for promoting their artwork for years now. The content created by queer artists has attracted huge audiences on social media, which is why major platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Twitter, etc. , are trying to bring more diversity into their algorithms.