Experiences of Using Social Media Platforms
A Study of Transgender Individuals in the Urban Region of Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh
Keywords:
Transgender individuals, Social media, CyberbullyingAbstract
The present paper explores the experiences of transgender individuals using social media platforms. While reporting these experiences, the paper covers the roles of social media platforms and the challenges transgender participants face while using these platforms. A total of 40 participants were selected with the aid of a non-governmental organisation for personal interviews using a semi-structured interview schedule from the urban region of the Ghaziabad district, using purposive and snowball non-probability sampling techniques. The analysis involved descriptive statistics and thematic narrative analysis. Findings show that participants often used social media platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, WhatsApp, Facebook, and Grindr. These social media platforms played a significant role in providing a platform for the declaration of self-identity, emotional and informational support, entertainment, and social causes. While the study centred around the positive aspects of social media use, it also brings to light the challenges they face in this digital space, such as misgendering, cyberbullying, and harassment. These issues emphasise the urgent need for enhanced online safety measures tailored to the specific needs of transgender individuals.
The present paper explores the experiences of transgender individuals using social media platforms. While reporting these experiences, the paper covers the roles of social media platforms and the challenges transgender participants face while using these platforms. A total of 40 participants were selected with the aid of a non-governmental organisation for personal interviews using a semi-structured interview schedule from the urban region of the Ghaziabad district, using purposive and snowball non-probability sampling techniques. The analysis involved descriptive statistics and thematic narrative analysis. Findings show that participants often used social media platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, WhatsApp, Facebook, and Grindr. These social media platforms played a significant role in providing a platform for the declaration of self-identity, emotional and informational support, entertainment, and social causes. While the study centred around the positive aspects of social media use, it also brings to light the challenges they face in this digital space, such as misgendering, cyberbullying, and harassment. These issues emphasise the urgent need for enhanced online safety measures tailored to the specific needs of transgender individuals.
The present paper explores the experiences of transgender individuals using social media platforms. While reporting these experiences, the paper covers the roles of social media platforms and the challenges transgender participants face while using these platforms. A total of 40 participants were selected with the aid of a non-governmental organisation for personal interviews using a semi-structured interview schedule from the urban region of the Ghaziabad district, using purposive and snowball non-probability sampling techniques. The analysis involved descriptive statistics and thematic narrative analysis. Findings show that participants often used social media platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, WhatsApp, Facebook, and Grindr. These social media platforms played a significant role in providing a platform for the declaration of self-identity, emotional and informational support, entertainment, and social causes. While the study centred around the positive aspects of social media use, it also brings to light the challenges they face in this digital space, such as misgendering, cyberbullying, and harassment. These issues emphasise the urgent need for enhanced online safety measures tailored to the specific needs of transgender individuals.
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