Social Media as a Determinant of Awareness, Knowledge, and Acceptance of Intersex Persons in Nigeria

Abstract

Social media platforms have reshaped global communication by enabling rapid information
exchange, opinion formation, and social mobilisation. For intersex persons, who have long
experienced invisibility, misunderstanding, and medicalised stigma, these platforms offer new
possibilities for visibility, awareness creation, and public engagement. This paper examines how
social media influences awareness, knowledge, and acceptance of intersex persons, with particular
attention to the Nigerian context. Drawing on social constructivist theory and the uses and
gratifications framework, the study reviews and synthesises existing literature from international
and African scholarship to explore how platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and
TikTok shape societal perceptions of intersex identities. The review shows that digital spaces
provide avenues for amplifying intersex voices, fostering peer support, and challenging
discriminatory narratives, while also presenting risks related to misinformation, online harassment,
and the limited visibility of minority content. The paper adopts a conceptual review approach to
examine these dynamics and highlights the importance of inclusive, strategic, and rights-based
digital engagement that can support broader social acceptance and reduce prejudice.