Non-Binary Gender Expression in Online Interactions

TL;DR

This study examines how non-binary gender expression influences online interactions on Twitter, revealing disparities in attention and increased toxicity faced by non-binary users, emphasizing the need to view gender as a spectrum.

Contribution

It provides empirical insights into the online experiences of non-binary individuals, highlighting disparities and toxicity issues linked to gender spectrum representation.

Findings

Non-binary users receive less likes and followers.

Non-binary users send and receive more toxic tweets.

Gender as a spectrum affects online interaction dynamics.

Abstract

Many openly non-binary gender individuals participate in social networks. However, the relationship between gender and online interactions is not well understood, which may result in disparate treatment by large language models. We investigate individual identity on Twitter, focusing on gender expression as represented by users chosen pronouns. We find that non-binary groups tend to receive less attention in the form of likes and followers. We also find that nonbinary users send and receive tweets with above-average toxicity. The study highlights the importance of considering gender as a spectrum, rather than a binary, in understanding online interactions and expression.