Many of my previous posts have revolved around social media, and I have no plans of stopping now. Every day I am on at least five different types of social media for hours on end, interacting with friends or seeing what others have to say. Not only is social media a great tool to interact with different types of people, it’s also a great tool to interact with others from your same culture, race, gender, sexuality or religion. Many of these groups are diverse in society, and social media is a great way for them to connect.
However, there are positives and negatives of social media for these communities. Take Facebook for example, you can’t search for someone of a certain gender, sexuality or color, which avoids discrimination. This may also be negative because maybe you are new to a community and want to find others with your same culture, race, gender or religion.
Are you part of any diverse group? How are you using social media to interact with others?
A diverse group that has a strong presence in social media is the LGBT community. LGBT stands for “lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender” people. According to research by Harris Interactive of 2,412 U.S. adults (aged 18 and over), the LGBT community is more active on social networks than heterosexuals.
Facebook recently introduced two new relationship status indicators that the LGBT community may approve of. U.S. residents can choose between “In a domestic partnership” and “In a civil union,” along with the usual relationship options. However, this may have a reverse effect for some because the civil union/domestic partnership distinction is one that many LGBT groups are trying to erase. They want to send the message of marriage equality.
Despite the negatives social media may have, I think it has an overall positive effect no matter which diverse group. The more people that use Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, blogs and other social network sites, the more their message will be put out.
I myself am not part of any group, but I think it’s a great way for people to come together and spread their message, whatever it may be as long as it’s not hateful.
What are your thoughts on new media and diverse groups?
