Shinigami Eyes and Social Media Labeling as a Technology for Self-care

Since its inception, the role of social media as part of the public sphere has been debated. In this chapter, we examine one specific challenge related to social media, namely the Shinigami Eyes web browser extension. The extension is developed as a tool to aid trans people and their allies in identifying and avoiding transphobic users and content, while easily recognizing trans-friendly users. However, the add-on has received criticism due to its labeling of social media users without the users knowing about or agreeing to the labeling, and some feel that such a tool undermines the very idea of a public sphere and free and open public debate. Social media is a prominent part of the lives of modern individuals in major parts of the world, and LGBTQ+ people are also actively using social media to navigate their existence and constructing their identities. However, in this chapter, we discuss how these individuals, and trans people in particular, experience harassment and hostility on social media, which when seen in conjunction with other forms of marginalization poses clear threats relevant to a number of aspects related to sustainable development and the Sustainable Development Goals.