SOCIAL MEDIA AND LGBTQ AWARENESS: INVESTIGATING ITS INFLUENCE ON IIUM STUDENTS' PERCEPTIONS

Summary

This video explores the influence of social media on public perceptions of LGBTQ+ issues, examining how it shapes beliefs, values, and identities. It highlights how platforms like Instagram and TikTok have normalized LGBTQ+ content, and how this can challenge traditional cultural and religious views. Through interviews, individuals share their perspectives on how social media affects their understanding of LGBTQ+ issues, with some expressing concerns about the clash with their Islamic beliefs. The video emphasizes the importance of standing firm in one's values and using social media to promote truth and integrity.

Takeaways

• 😀 Social media shapes our beliefs, values, and perceptions of various issues, including LGBTQ+ topics.
• 😀 The rainbow symbol, once a natural beauty, has been adopted as a symbol for the LGBTQ+ community, shifting its meaning for many people.
• 😀 The rise of LGBTQ+ content on social media has led to increased visibility and debate, with people responding based on personal, cultural, and religious beliefs.
• 😀 Constructivism explains how beauty, normality, and even right vs. wrong are shaped by society and media.
• 😀 Social media amplifies the messages and pressures surrounding beauty standards and LGBTQ+ ideologies.
• 😀 Religious beliefs and values significantly influence how individuals perceive and react to LGBTQ+ content on social media.
• 😀 Islamic teachings are referenced as a basis for opposing LGBTQ+ practices, emphasizing the idea that men and women should only form natural partnerships.
• 😀 Social media has contributed to the normalization of LGBTQ+ issues globally, making them more visible even in places where they were once less common.
• 😀 The debate surrounding LGBTQ+ content often involves the conflict between societal pressures and personal or religious values.
• 😀 The video encourages viewers to actively engage with social media, whether by countering opposing views or speaking out in defense of their beliefs.
• 😀 Despite pressure from online content, the video stresses the importance of standing firm in one’s beliefs and values, especially regarding religious principles.

Q & A

How has social media influenced the perception of LGBTQ+ issues?

Social media has amplified visibility of LGBTQ+ issues, normalizing them in some circles while making others view them as controversial. It shapes how people view LGBTQ+ individuals and influences public discourse on identity, pride, and diversity.

What is the role of social media in shaping beauty standards, according to the script?

The script highlights that social media accelerates the construction of beauty standards by constantly exposing users to filtered images of 'perfect' bodies. This has influenced how people perceive beauty, turning it into a socially constructed ideal.

Why did the rainbow become a symbol of the LGBTQ+ community?

The rainbow, initially seen as a natural phenomenon, was adopted by the LGBTQ+ community as a symbol of diversity, pride, and identity. Over time, its meaning has shifted due to social media, where it is now often associated with LGBTQ+ rights and causes.

How does the script suggest individuals should respond to content that goes against their beliefs?

The script encourages individuals to actively guard their beliefs by not passively accepting content that goes against their values. It suggests unfollowing, reporting, or countering such content with their own voices, especially when it contradicts religious or personal convictions.

What is the significance of the Quran in the context of the video's message?

The Quran is referenced as the ultimate guide that can restore balance and truth in a world increasingly influenced by modern ideologies. The script stresses that the Quran's teachings are seen as a foundation for understanding and navigating issues like LGBTQ+ in a way that aligns with Islamic values.

What is the impact of social media on the normalization of LGBTQ+ issues, as discussed by the interviewees?

The interviewees suggest that social media has played a significant role in normalizing LGBTQ+ issues. They point out that while LGBTQ+ issues were less visible or normalized in some regions, social media has brought them to the forefront, making them more commonly accepted or discussed.

What is the primary concern of the individuals interviewed regarding LGBTQ+ content on social media?

The primary concern expressed by the interviewees is that LGBTQ+ content often contradicts their religious beliefs, particularly from an Islamic perspective. They emphasize that such content goes against their values and moral understanding, making it difficult for them to accept or support it.

How does the interviewee describe their stance on LGBTQ+ content despite the influence of social media?

Despite the influence of social media, the interviewee maintains that their stance on LGBTQ+ issues remains unchanged. They firmly believe that certain actions associated with LGBTQ+ are against their religious teachings, and they assert that their faith continues to guide their views on these topics.

What role does the concept of 'constructivism' play in the video's argument about beauty and identity?

The concept of 'constructivism' is used to argue that beauty and identity are socially constructed rather than innate. Social media plays a major role in shaping these constructs, influencing how people view what is considered beautiful or normal, which may not align with individual or religious beliefs.

What message does the video aim to convey about the power of social media in shaping societal views?

The video stresses that social media is a powerful tool that shapes how people perceive various issues, including LGBTQ+ rights. It encourages individuals to actively engage with social media, not just passively consume content, in order to align their online presence and beliefs with their values.