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TransForming Science

By Lil Logan – A ‘Science & Humour’ Project (SCOM6006, 2024)

The YouTube video “TransForming Science” was inspired by my personal experience of trying to find accurate information about testosterone therapy online. Despite my science background, I struggled to discern reliable information amid a sea of conflicting and misleading content. Platforms such as Reddit, YouTube, and Discord are highly popular spaces for transgender and gender-diverse individuals (TGDI) to seek information on trans healthcare. First-hand accounts, in particular, are a widely favoured source of health information (Augustaitis et al., 2021). While such content is valuable for reducing feelings of isolation and providing general insights, anecdotal evidence alone is insufficient for comprehensive medical understanding. Both the video and this report aim to explore how combining personal experiences with science-backed information – delivered with humour – can create a more balanced, accessible, and reliable source of trans healthcare education online.

The internet has been revolutionary for TGDI, though it has also left them vulnerable to considerable misinformation. Since the TGDI community is relatively small (around 0.9% of people in Australia identify as gender diverse, see Higgins et al., 2024), connecting with others outside major cities was previously near impossible. The internet has proven essential in bridging this gap, reducing feelings of isolation, particularly for younger TGDIs (Horvath et al., 2015). Social media platforms provide emotional support through peer connections and role models, helping TGDI feel validated in their experiences (Selkie et al., 2019). What’s more, transphobia, ignorance, and bias is still prevalent in the medical community. Shires & Jaffee (2015) found that 41.8% of TGDI study participants reported being verbally harassed, physically assaulted, or denied care at a doctor’s office or hospital. This treatment, along with the anticipation of stigma, represents significant barriers for TGDI to access accurate and up-to-date information from medical professionals to help them navigate health decisions (Hibbert et al., 2018). The internet offers TGDI a safe space to seek information anonymously. Notably, social media platforms (e.g., YouTube, Tumblr, Instagram) and user-generated sites (e.g., Reddit, Quora) serve as major sources of health information for TGDI (Augustaitis, 2021). These platforms, however, are not optimised for providing high-quality, peer-reviewed educational material, and misinformation is rife. My time researching testosterone therapy on Reddit exposed me to a huge amount of false beliefs about what this hormone would do to my body. Li et al. (2020) found that over one-quarter of the most-watched COVID-19 videos on YouTube contained non-factual or misleading information, reaching over 62 million viewers. Similarly, Xu et al. (2021) reported that 41% of TikTok videos studied contained significant misinformation on prostate cancer. The evident gap in informative, engaging, and evidence-based trans health communication on social media influenced my decision to produce a YouTube video.

Trans health issues highlighted in the media are often framed in a negative and serious light, such as debates over whether TGDI youth should access puberty blockers (Pang et al., 2022). Exposure to negative TGD-related media has been linked to increased depression, anxiety, stress, and reduced referrals to gender identity clinics among TGDIs (Hughto et al., 2020; Pham, 2020; Indremo, 2021). Using humour to address such complex and divisive issues has been shown to enhance affective response in viewers and boost public engagement with science (Cacciatore, 2020). Various forms of humour, including sarcasm, satire, and irony, have proven effective in climate change communication (Kaltenbacher & Drews, 2020; Anderson & Becker, 2018). Humour can prevent communicators from overwhelming audiences with fear, despair, or guilt, which could otherwise hinder meaningful action (Bore & Reid, 2014). Additionally, humour can improve the communication of health issues associated with shame, such as STDs (Yoon, 2017).

When viewing TransForming Science through the lens of humour theories, the video most heavily leans on relief theory and incongruity theory. Relief theory describes how humour can provide a release of nervous energy or psychological tension through provoking laughter (Meyer, 2000). Incongruity theory explains that people will laugh at things they find unexpected or surprising; the violation of an accepted norm is what creates the humour (Buijzen & Valkenburg, 2004). While these theories are interconnected, the key differential is that relief theory focuses on a psychological and bodily reaction whereas incongruity theory views humour as a cognitive experience (Meyer, 2000). The ability of the viewer to recognise patterns and note incongruity is key to this form of humour being successful. 

The scene where Leo meets Sam provides a look at how these theories are used. Leo’s apprehension about the meeting is clear through his explanation of how the internet has made him believe that people who take testosterone are irrationally angry and prone to violence. Visual and sound effects, including Reddit screenshots audibly “popping” up successively on screen, further build suspense. At Sam’s house, viewer’s hear an off-screen character aggressively yelling at a recorded Ultimate Fighting Championship game – a sport that epitomises violence and “macho” culture”  – heightening the viewer’s anticipation. The confirmation that this person is, in fact, not Sam provides a brief moment of relief. Sam’s appearance on-screen operating a circular saw immediately re-introduces the tension, which is then again neutralised by the explanation that he has simply been using it to garden. This physical experience of relaxation after a build-up of stress, once it becomes clear that Sam is a gentle and non-violent individual, creates space for laughter. Incongruity likewise plays a key role in this scene. In the lead-up to speaking with Sam, Leo’s belief that testosterone users are angry and violent plays into social stereotypes about men, masculinity, and the role that testosterone plays in aggression. The introduction of Sam’s housemate further bolsters these ideas, aligning with the viewer’s assumed preconceptions. Once Sam is introduced, his gentle demeanour, love of nature, and comfort displaying emotion all subvert expectations of how overtly masculine and aggressive typically men behave. The unexpected plot twist of Sam enjoying these typically “soft” hobbies and openly crying violates the expectations of the viewers, thus provoking humour. Together, these moments of tension and relief allow the audience to recognise and laugh at the absurdity of stereotypes, as they’re contrasted with the reality of Sam’s character. Through this playful exaggeration, the scene reveals Leo’s misconceptions, transforming his misplaced apprehensions into humour and allowing for a deeper reflection on societal assumptions about testosterone and masculinity.

“TransForming Science” demonstrates how integrating humour can effectively bridge the gap between personal experience and scientific accuracy in trans healthcare communication. By addressing common misconceptions with a light-hearted approach, the video not only engages viewers but also makes complex information more accessible and relatable. This method counters the prevalent negativity and misinformation surrounding trans issues in the media, offering a refreshing perspective that encourages critical thinking and self-reflection. As the demand for reliable and engaging trans health content continues to grow, innovative approaches like this one will be essential in fostering informed and supportive communities. This project highlights the need for science communication to adapt to new media formats and audience preferences, particularly those of younger, tech-savvy users. By leveraging humour and personal narrative, “TransForming Science” provides a model for how science communication can evolve to meet the needs of a diverse and digitally connected audience.

References

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“TransForming Science” Video Citations

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