ثراء الفيس بوك و دوره في دعم الهوية الجندرية و التوجه الجنسي

Abstract EN

This research paper attempts to reach results that explain the extent of Facebook’s support for gender identity and sexual orientations.

It used term gender in terms of its international definitions or applications due to the different definitions and applications in the Arab world and the West.

It uses the medium richness theory in terms of its use of elements that enrich the media process.

The research uses the virtual ethnographic approach to access sources of information that are difficult to access through descriptive research or directly, and through the search tool of the electronic interview with users of four groups of Arab lesbians on Facebook.

The quasi-standardized interview tool, which contained ten questions, allowing participants to talk freely about their gender identity and sexual orientation.

The study included four nationalities (Egyptian, Saudi, Kuwaiti and Algerian).

The study was conducted during the three months of September, October, November 2018.

The study concluded the results that confirm the principles of the medium richness theory, knowledge bases of research and previous studies, including its ability as a supportive and alternative media for Arab lesbians due to its ease of use, the information provided by Facebook groups, and the reality of social, security and religious conditions.This is coupled with a general weakness in the knowledge of participants regarding international trends in support of gender identity and sexual orientation, and with a steady increase in the number of participants in the sample groups.

as contributors to the ability of participants to communicate their ideas through Facebook, despite the risk and lack of credibility.

The results also show the ability of the participants to deliver their thoughts through Facebook despite the risks and the low credibility.