Nir Eyal
Nov 20, 2021 - 7 min
As a Black transgender woman, why am I invisible? Most transgender people grow up in a society that is hostile to who they are, which makes social media an essential asset to support them in living their truth. The wide reach of platforms like Facebook, TikTok and Instagram has enabled isolated and vulnerable members of the trans community to find a space of belonging. However, as Imara Jones explains in this deeply personal essay, a wave of new, unchecked algorithms has reduced the reach of trans-friendly content, promoted the extremist views of people like Ben Shapiro, and has even contributed to the increase in suicide risks for LGBTQ+ individuals. But, as she reveals, promising new options are emerging.