Digital platforms have revolutionized the way people communicate, share information, and express themselves online. They provide an opportunity for individuals to connect with others who share similar interests and experiences, form communities based on shared identities, and advocate for social change through various means such as petitions, protests, and campaigns.
These platforms also raise several ethical concerns related to the privacy of users' data, censorship, and the potential misuse of algorithms to manipulate user behavior. This article will explore how digital platforms mediate queer identity performance, community formation, and activism while discussing the challenges that come with algorithmic curation, surveillance, and platform governance.
One of the most significant ways that digital platforms affect queer identity performance is through their ability to create spaces where individuals can connect with one another and express themselves freely. LGBTQ+ individuals often face discrimination and prejudice due to their sexual orientation or gender identity, making it difficult to find supportive and welcoming environments offline. Digital platforms provide a safe space where they can be open about their identities without fear of judgment or repercussions.
Tumblr was a popular platform among young LGBTQ+ individuals in the early 2010s, allowing them to discover and connect with other like-minded people from around the world. This led to the creation of new subcultures and communities focused on specific niches within the broader LGBTQ+ spectrum, such as asexuality or nonbinary genders.
Platforms have also provided opportunities for political action and advocacy. Groups like PrideStache and Trans Lifeline use digital platforms to raise awareness and funds for LGBTQ+ causes. The former uses Facebook ads to reach out to people who may not know much about transgender issues while the latter uses Instagram to share stories of transgender individuals and encourage donations.
These efforts are subject to algorithmic curation, which prioritizes certain content over others based on user engagement.
Content that receives more likes, shares, comments, and views will appear higher up on users' feeds, potentially limiting the visibility of less popular posts. Platforms may also suppress posts containing explicit or controversial language or images, even if they relate to important social justice movements.
Surveillance by governments or private companies could lead to censorship or punishment for speaking out against oppressive regimes.
Algorithms used by platforms also affect queer identity performance by shaping what information is presented to users and how it is displayed.
Tinder algorithms match users based on their preferences, which can be limited by factors such as age, gender, race, location, and sexual orientation. While this helps find compatible partners, it perpetuates stereotypes about different identities and excludes those who do not fit into conventional categories. Moreover, dating apps such as Grindr allow users to filter matches by HIV status, creating a stigma around living with HIV.
The privacy implications of using digital platforms are significant. Social media sites like Twitter and Facebook collect vast amounts of personal data from their users, including their location, browsing history, purchases, and connections. This data can be shared with third-party advertisers or sold to other organizations without users' knowledge or consent. In addition, platform governance can limit freedom of expression and political activism.
Facebook has removed groups promoting violence while allowing hate speech against marginalized communities. These actions have sparked debate over whether platforms should prioritize free speech above all else or take steps to protect vulnerable populations.
How do digital platforms mediate queer identity performance, community formation, and activism, and what ethical dilemmas emerge from algorithmic curation, surveillance, and platform governance?
Digital platforms such as Instagram and Tumblr have been shown to play a significant role in mediating queer identity performance, community formation, and activism. The anonymity of online spaces enables individuals to explore and express their identities outside the social constraints imposed by traditional media and society at large, thus allowing for greater visibility and representation (Langdon et al. , 2018).