Suggestion 4: The Internet and Gender Norms

 Despite the Internet seeming to be a place disregarding gender because of its layout, as any other place meant to harbor communication, gender norms have found their way to maintain their influence. This influence varies from platform to platform, though. On social media, if you choose to say something to spark a certain reaction, whether it be positive or negative, there is a large chance that gender won’t be brought into it–unless you’ve indicated what gender you are. Whether it be your bio, your profile picture, or even the indication of what pronouns you use, some people on the Internet will take whatever they can get and use it to try and see what you are. I’ve come to realize that over the years.

That’s why my profiles on different online platforms aren’t usually very expressly feminine at all. When they were, I was subject to harassment. Playing games became risky because I didn’t know if I’d meet someone that would ruin my experience because of my profile. My profile! It seems so ridiculous, but since we’re all so familiar with the internet, it doesn’t seem as strange as it’s supposed to be. It happens, though. And I don’t like how many times it’s happened to me. 

But using a profile that takes full use of the possibilities to express oneself as gender-neutral on the internet, I find it easier to do many other things. I can express my interests and hobbies in a much more open way–or, at least, I’m more comfortable doing so. I wish I didn’t have to feel this way. I wish other girls didn’t have to feel this way, either. But a simple wish won’t change the Internet without some action to make it come true, so I oblige for now.