LGBT individuals have become increasingly aware of their digital presence and its implications for their personal lives, including how they are perceived by others. This has led to a growing interest in controlling their digital visibility, privacy, and representation, especially given the high level of surveillance and algorithmic governance present in online environments. There are several strategies that LGBT individuals can employ to achieve this goal, such as using pseudonyms, creating private accounts, and limiting what they share publicly.
These methods may be challenging due to the widespread nature of data collection and tracking in cyberspace.
Some social media platforms and websites have specific policies that restrict certain types of expression or content, which can make it difficult for LGBT people to fully express themselves. Nevertheless, there are ways to navigate these obstacles through advocacy efforts, self-education, and critical thinking about one's own choices regarding digital engagement.
1. Pseudonyms
Pseudonyms can help LGBT individuals manage their digital visibility and protect their privacy. By adopting an online persona that does not reveal their real identity, they can control who sees their posts and comments, avoid unwanted attention from trolls and stalkers, and safeguard their safety while expressing themselves freely.
Many users choose to use nicknames or initials instead of their full names on social media sites. Others create entirely new personas with different names, locations, and backgrounds. While this approach requires more effort and creativity than simply using one's real name, it provides a valuable layer of protection for those at risk of discrimination or harassment based on their sexuality.
2. Private Accounts
Many social media platforms offer private account options that allow users to only share content with select groups or individuals. This can help LGBT individuals maintain greater control over who sees their personal information and interactions. They can set up lists or lists of friends who can see their posts and limit access to others.
Even these measures may be limited by the platform's terms of service and user agreements, which can still collect data on individuals without their explicit consent. It is crucial for LGBT individuals to read and understand such policies before joining any online community.
3. Limiting What Is Shared Publicly
Limiting what is shared publicly is another way to assert control over digital visibility and representation. Rather than posting everything openly, LGBT individuals can choose to curate their content carefully, sharing only what they feel comfortable with and excluding anything that could cause harm or embarrassment. This includes limiting self-disclosure and being mindful of how their posts might be interpreted by others. By taking this proactive approach, they can avoid unintended consequences and retain more agency over their digital presence.
4. Advocacy Efforts
Advocacy efforts can also support LGBT individuals in navigating highly surveilled and algorithmically governed online environments.
Organizations like GLAAD (Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) promote digital safety and privacy through campaigns and resources aimed at educating people about cyberbullying, trolling, and online harassment. Such efforts help raise awareness among both users and platforms, encouraging them to take responsibility for creating safer spaces for all identities. Self-education about digital security and best practices can also empower LGBT individuals to make informed decisions about their online activities.
5. Critical Thinking About Digital Engagement
Critical thinking about one's own choices regarding digital engagement can help LGBT individuals maintain greater control over their digital visibility, privacy, and representation. They can consider the purpose of each post, comment, and interaction before making it public, asking themselves if it aligns with their values and goals.
They can evaluate the platform's terms of service, user agreements, and policies to understand the risks involved and plan accordingly.
These strategies provide valuable tools for LGBT individuals seeking to assert control over their digital presence in an increasingly surveilled and algorithmically governed world.
How can LGBT individuals assert control over digital visibility, privacy, and representation in highly surveilled and algorithmically governed online environments?
LGBT individuals can assert control over their digital presence by adopting practices that prioritize privacy and anonymity while maintaining authenticity in their public representations of self. This involves carefully curating social media profiles to reflect personal identities while also limiting sharing of sensitive information and engaging with audiences in ways that protect their safety and security.