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.

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Apr 10th, 12:00 AM Apr 10th, 12:00 AM

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.