Smartphones and public support for LGBTQ+ in Central Asia

Abstract

ABSTRACT The persistent accusations about the Internet’s role in spreading pro-gay attitudes, the prevalence of media censorship across Central Asia and activists’ frequent use of the Internet all raise important questions about online influence on public opinion regarding non-heterosexual people in Central Asia. So far, there is little research on the question of what impact the popularization of the Internet has on Central Asians’ tolerance toward queer people. The purpose of this study is to examine if and how people’s frequent exposure to information on their smartphone influences their opinion of LGBTQs in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. The research draws on the Asia Barometer Survey Wave 4 (2005) and the World Values Survey Wave 6 (2014) and Wave 7 (2022) country data files on Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan.