In today's digital age, people are more visible than ever before, yet some groups continue to face challenges in exercising their right to be seen and heard, including the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community. Surveillance and algorithms govern much of our daily lives, shaping how we interact with each other, consume media, and navigate the internet.
These same forces can also create barriers for LGBT individuals who may feel pressure to hide their identity or censor their behavior online due to fear or stigma. This article will explore how LGBT individuals can exercise agency over their visibility, privacy, and representation in surveilled and algorithmically governed online contexts.
LGBT individuals must take control of their own narratives by creating and curating content that reflects their unique identities and experiences. This includes writing blog posts, sharing personal stories, or starting a podcast focused on LGBT issues. They should also actively participate in social media communities and engage in online discussions about topics relevant to their community. By doing so, they can influence public discourse and amplify their voices beyond traditional mainstream channels.
LGBT individuals should prioritize their safety and well-being when using the internet, especially given the prevalence of trolling, harassment, and hate speech directed towards them. This means taking proactive steps such as using privacy settings, changing usernames and profile pictures, avoiding certain websites or hashtags, and reporting any harmful content to platform moderators. It also involves building strong support networks offline, such as through local organizations or in-person meetups.
LGBT individuals should be aware of the ways that algorithms shape their online experience and make informed choices accordingly.
They might seek out alternative platforms or apps that prioritize user privacy or limit data collection practices. They might consider using incognito mode for sensitive searches or refrain from posting personal information online. They may also choose to participate in activism efforts aimed at challenging the dominance of big tech companies and advocating for more inclusive policies.
While surveillance and algorithms pose significant challenges to LGBT visibility and representation online, there are concrete actions individuals can take to exercise agency over these contexts. By creating and curating content, protecting themselves against harassment, and making conscious decisions about their digital footprint, LGBT individuals can assert their presence and claim a space where they belong.
How can LGBT individuals exercise agency over digital visibility, privacy, and representation in surveilled and algorithmically governed online contexts?
The term "agency" refers to an individual's capacity for self-determination and decision-making. For LGBTQ+ people, exercising agency may involve taking charge of one's identity and self-presentation on social media platforms, navigating the complexities of online interactions with others, and advocating for greater awareness and acceptance of their community within society as a whole.