THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON TRANSGENDER IDENTITY DEVELOPMENT AND EXPRESSION

The research analyzes social media's role in the creating and expressing of transgender identities. Social media sites, including Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, YouTube, and Reddit, are becoming increasingly important for transgender subjects to explore their gender identities, seek mutual support, and disseminate personal information. Using mixed methods, including surveys, interviews, and content analysis, the study explores how digital places afford possibilities for identity exploration and affirmation and visibility but also expose users to threats of cyberbullying, misinformation, and social pressure. The results reveal that social media can be a liberatory yet tormenting space in which the identity formation, mental well-being, and self-expression of transgender people are significantly affected. The paper closes with the suggestion for inclusive cyberspaces and responsible governance of platforms to truly address the concerns of marginalized communities.