Digital Platforms and Visibility of LGBTQ Individuals: A Guide for Designers
What are Cyberbullying, Harassment, and Exclusion?
Cyberbullying is when someone uses electronic communication technology to send mean messages, images, or videos to hurt, embarrass, scare, or humiliate another person. It can include sending hateful texts, posting insulting comments on social media, or even creating fake profiles to spread false information about an individual. Harassment occurs when unwanted physical contact or communication creates a hostile environment. Exclusion involves deliberately ignoring or excluding a group or individual from participation in activities, organizations, or communities.
How Can Digital Platforms be Designed to Mitigate Cyberbullying, Harassment, and Exclusion of LGBTQ Individuals?
Designers can create digital platforms that proactively mitigate cyberbullying, harassment, and exclusion of LGBTQ individuals by incorporating features that promote positive engagement and visibility while also providing ways to report incidents of abuse.
Designers could add tools that allow users to block or mute other users who are being abusive, as well as reporting systems that alert moderators to potential violations of community guidelines.
Platforms could implement automated filters to detect offensive language or imagery and flag it for review.
How Can Digital Platforms Promote Positive Engagement and Visibility of LGBTQ Individuals?
Designers can promote positive engagement and visibility of LGBTQ individuals through features like designated spaces for support groups, online events, and educational resources. These spaces would provide a safe environment where LGBTQ individuals can connect with each other and receive support from peers. They could also host events such as virtual pride parades or workshops on LGBTQ history or culture, which would help raise awareness and encourage inclusion.
The Importance of Proactive Measures
By implementing these proactive measures, digital platforms can create an inclusive and welcoming space for all users, including those who identify as LGBTQ. This not only benefits the mental health and well-being of these individuals but also promotes a more diverse and accepting online community overall. It is crucial for designers to prioritize the safety and inclusion of all users when creating new digital platforms.
How can future digital platforms be designed to proactively mitigate cyberbullying, harassment, and exclusion of LGBTQ individuals while promoting positive engagement and visibility?
The designers of digital platforms should implement various strategies to promote positive engagement among all users, including members of the LGBTQ community. They should avoid using gendered pronouns and language that could exclude anyone from participating, such as "he/she," "his/her," etc. Instead, they should adopt more inclusive terms like "they" and "their.