Online communities have revolutionized how people connect and communicate about LGBTQ+ issues, creating new spaces for queer individuals to share their experiences, identify themselves, find support, and advocate for equality. Platforms like Tumblr, Instagram, Reddit, Discord, Twitter, and Facebook host thriving queer communities that foster community building, collaboration, creativity, and solidarity. Online platforms also offer a way to reach larger audiences than traditional offline venues, reaching people who may not otherwise engage with queer content or activism.
Algorithmic curation and platform governance can shape the types of content seen by users and limit expression, which can hinder queer visibility and undermine activism.
Algorithmic Curation
Social media algorithms are designed to keep users engaged by showing them content they are likely to interact with, but this can lead to biases against marginalized groups.
If an account posts photos of drag queens and trans women, the algorithm may recommend similar content to those interested in nonbinary fashion. This could exclude other queer identities and experiences, such as gay men or lesbians.
Platforms often rely on third-party data sources, such as Google's autocomplete suggestions, to generate search results. These data sources can reflect social prejudices, making it difficult for queer individuals to discover relevant information or resources.
Unintended Effects
The unintended effects of algorithmic curation can be detrimental to queer expression, solidarity, and activism. Firstly, it can make it harder for queer individuals to find supportive spaces, increasing feelings of isolation and marginalization. Secondly, it can limit exposure to diverse perspectives within the LGBTQ+ community, perpetuating stereotypes and discrimination. Thirdly, it can prevent the spread of important messages, such as queer history, health information, political advocacy, or personal narratives.
It can lead to a homogenization of queer representation, reducing nuanced portrayals of individual experiences and identities.
Platform governance also shapes queer expression, solidarity, and activism. Platforms have policies that moderate content, ban certain words and images, and enforce community standards, which can limit freedom of speech and artistic expression.
Tumblr banned all adult content, including consensual pornography, effectively silencing many queer sex workers and kink communities. Instagram has been criticized for removing photos of transgender models, drag performers, and body positivity influencers who do not conform to binary gender norms. Twitter allows only verified accounts access to their verification badges, creating barriers to entry for grassroots organizations and independent artists.
Online platforms play an essential role in shaping how queer individuals express themselves and connect with others, but they can also hinder visibility and solidarity. Queer individuals need to be aware of these unintended effects when using online platforms to ensure they have access to diverse representations and resources. Platforms should prioritize inclusive algorithms, transparent policies, and accessible moderation guidelines to support queer expression, solidarity, and activism.
How do online communities, algorithmic curation, and platform governance shape queer expression, solidarity, and activism, and what unintended effects arise?
Researchers have investigated how online communities, algorithmic curation, and platform governance shape queer expression, solidarity, and activism, with mixed results. On one hand, platforms like Tumblr and Instagram have provided spaces for individuals to explore their identities, build community, and find support from other queer people. Algorithms that promote diverse content may also facilitate exposure to new ideas, perspectives, and information.