Event Title
Social Networks as Virtual Outreach: The It Gets Better Project and Experiences of LGBTQ Youth
Presentation Type
Oral and/or Visual Presentation
Presenter Major(s)
Women and Gender Studies, Political Science
Mentor Information
Kathleen Underwood
Department
Women and Gender Studies
Location
Kirkhof Center 2215
Start Date
10-4-2013 12:00 AM
End Date
10-4-2013 12:00 AM
Keywords
Gender, Identity, Media, Technology, U.S. Diversity
Abstract
This research focuses on the content of the It Gets Better Project and examines the limitations of social media for outreach and diversity. Through audio and visual content analysis, the study explores themes and messages of the It Gets Better Project to develop an empirical understanding of who is contributing and what messages and experience are shared. Preliminary research indicates that predominantly white, educated, 18-40 year olds contributed heavily to the It Gets Better Project. In addition, the study examines why such themes as bullying, coming out, and religion are relevant to the It Gets Better Project, and analyzes the limitations of social media activism. The methodology for this project is audio and visual content analysis of 250 It Gets Better Project on YouTube focusing on demographic and thematic elements of the videos. This project is significant because it highlights strengths of the It Gets Better Project as well as providing greater discourse for LGBTQ studies.
Social Networks as Virtual Outreach: The It Gets Better Project and Experiences of LGBTQ Youth
Kirkhof Center 2215
This research focuses on the content of the It Gets Better Project and examines the limitations of social media for outreach and diversity. Through audio and visual content analysis, the study explores themes and messages of the It Gets Better Project to develop an empirical understanding of who is contributing and what messages and experience are shared. Preliminary research indicates that predominantly white, educated, 18-40 year olds contributed heavily to the It Gets Better Project. In addition, the study examines why such themes as bullying, coming out, and religion are relevant to the It Gets Better Project, and analyzes the limitations of social media activism. The methodology for this project is audio and visual content analysis of 250 It Gets Better Project on YouTube focusing on demographic and thematic elements of the videos. This project is significant because it highlights strengths of the It Gets Better Project as well as providing greater discourse for LGBTQ studies.