The emergence of online platforms has revolutionized the way people interact and form communities. These virtual spaces have enabled queer individuals to connect and build collectives that challenge traditional norms and power structures.
This shift towards digital environments has brought about new challenges regarding identity performance, collective action, and social cohesion. Algorithms and governance play crucial roles in shaping how queer communities function, leading to both intended and unintended outcomes.
Algorithms are designed to provide personalized experiences for users based on their interests and behaviors. As such, they can influence what content is recommended to a user and how it is presented. This means that queer individuals may see certain types of content more often than others, potentially limiting their exposure to different perspectives within the community.
Algorithms can favor certain forms of identity performance, such as those that fit into existing stereotypes.
An algorithm might recommend videos of drag performances because they are popular but not videos of transgender activism or polyamorous relationships. Similarly, governance policies can impact how queer communities function. Platforms like Facebook and Twitter have rules against hate speech and nudity, which can prevent certain discussions from taking place.
Some users have been banned for posting images of themselves without clothing due to these restrictions, despite them being part of gender expression.
These factors can lead to unintentional consequences for queer communities. When members become familiar with only specific narratives and performative identities, there may be less opportunity for exploration and growth. There may also be less space for nuanced conversations around topics like sexuality, race, or class that don't conform to dominant discourses.
When platforms ban certain forms of representation, this can limit the ability of marginalized groups to express themselves fully. These factors can contribute to feelings of isolation, exclusion, and alienation within the broader LGBTQ+ community.
Online communities, algorithms, and platform governance play significant roles in shaping queer identity performance, collective action, and social cohesion. While they offer new opportunities for connection and empowerment, they can also create challenges that undermine their purpose. It is essential to recognize these dynamics to foster more inclusive and diverse digital spaces that celebrate all aspects of queerness.