How do algorithms reinforce societal biases that marginalize queer voices online?
The internet is becoming increasingly more accessible to people worldwide, allowing them to connect with others who share similar interests and experiences.
Despite this progress, some groups still face discrimination and prejudice due to their identities. Queer individuals are among those most affected by these biases because society often considers them an outlier from the norm. As such, they struggle to find spaces where they can openly express themselves without judgment or ridicule. This is where algorithms come into play; they create opportunities for connections but also perpetuate harmful stereotypes and exclusion. Algorithms reinforce societal biases that marginalize queer voices online through targeted advertising, algorithmic filtering, and personalized search results.
Targeted advertising involves using user data to show ads tailored to specific demographics.
If a company wants to sell products related to gender identity, it may target transgender users based on their browsing history and social media activity. While this approach increases clickthrough rates, it also reinforces the idea that certain groups of people are less desirable than others. It sends the message that being transgender is something special or niche rather than part of everyday life, which furthers stigma and marginalization. The same goes for dating apps that match users based on sexual orientation; while these platforms offer safe spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals to meet like-minded partners, they further isolate heterosexual individuals who may be unaware or unsure about non-heteronormative relationships.
Algorithmic filtering relies on machine learning techniques to curate content for each user's preferences. Unfortunately, this process can exclude diverse perspectives since algorithms assume what viewers want to see based on previous interactions with similar material.
An algorithm might recommend videos about coming out stories only to straight viewers because that's all they have watched in the past. Queer individuals then become invisible when searching for such topics since the algorithm assumes they already know everything there is to know about them. This creates a cycle where only cisgender, heterosexual narratives remain visible online, silencing alternative voices.
Personalized search results work similarly by showing results most relevant to individual interests instead of giving equal opportunities to different perspectives. If someone searches "lesbian love story," they will likely see articles featuring white lesbians and cisgender women rather than diverse representations. This exclusion reinforces the notion that queerness is only acceptable if it conforms to society's expectations, limiting visibility beyond mainstream ideals.
Algorithms reinforce societal biases that marginalize queer voices online through targeted advertising, algorithmic filtering, and personalized search results. These processes create a cycle where only certain identities are visible, reinforcing stigma and discrimination against those who don't fit into traditional norms. To combat this problem, companies must ensure inclusivity across platforms by offering resources tailored to all demographics and avoid assumptions about what users want to see.
How do algorithms reinforce societal biases that marginalize queer voices online?
People often assume that technology is impartial, but it reflects human values and beliefs. The algorithm behind the internet platforms we interact with regularly learns from the patterns of user behavior and preferences over time. If certain types of content and communication styles are more popular among heterosexual people than others, for example, then these patterns will be reflected in the recommendation systems used by those platforms.