The world has witnessed an explosion of digital media that has revolutionized how people interact and consume entertainment. Queer communities have also benefited from this shift towards online platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and OnlyFans. These platforms allow for greater representation, creativity, and access to audiences previously unreachable due to geographical barriers.
Algorithmic curation can be problematic when it comes to visibility and belonging. This article will explore how queer content is curated through algorithms and its impact on self-esteem.
Algorithmic curation refers to how platforms like social media decide what content to show their users based on various factors such as engagement, relevance, and user preferences. It affects visibility because it determines who sees your posts and when they appear on someone's feed. It affects belonging because it creates an echo chamber where similar content is prioritized, leaving out other voices. And it affects self-esteem because it reinforces certain ideas about queerness that may not reflect one's experience or identity.
One way algorithms curate queer content is by using keywords like "gay," "lesbian," "bisexual," and "transgender." When you search these terms, you get a selection of videos recommended by the platform's algorithm. While this can increase awareness, it also limits visibility because it doesn't take into account nuances within each community or subculture.
A video of two women kissing might be labeled "lesbian" even if one of them identifies as bisexual or pansexual.
Another issue with algorithmic curation is the lack of diversity in queer content. Many popular creators are white, cisgender men or women, which skews the representation of the LGBTQ+ community. People from marginalized backgrounds have less visibility and fewer resources available to them, leading to feelings of exclusion and invisibility. This can be harmful to mental health, especially for young people exploring their sexuality or gender identity.
Algorithms can also favor sensationalist and controversial content over educational or empowering ones. This can lead to negative stereotypes about queerness being perpetuated, such as those surrounding fetishization and objectification. The result is that many queer users feel pressured to conform to these ideas to fit in, impacting their sense of self-worth and belonging.
Some platforms are taking steps towards more inclusive curation. OnlyFans allows creators to set specific tags to describe themselves and their work, making it easier for users to find relevant content. And TikTok offers hashtags like LGBTQ+, TransTikTok, and GayTikTok to promote diverse voices. These efforts show that algorithms don't have to dictate how we see ourselves or each other. By using accurate language and prioritizing authentic stories, we can create a digital space where everyone feels seen and heard.
How does the algorithmic curation of queer content affect visibility, belonging, and self-esteem?
Algorithmic curation can have both positive and negative effects on the visibility, belonging, and self-esteem of queer individuals. On one hand, it can increase the visibility of queer content by promoting relevant information and experiences that may not be readily available through traditional means. This can lead to increased awareness and understanding of queer culture and identity among non-queer individuals, which may facilitate greater acceptance and inclusion.