Google+, the latest social media site to hit the mainstream and a prime competitor for Facebook’s social media monopoly, announced last week that user profiles will be equipped with gender-neutral and gender-masking options for enhanced privacy, sensitivity and inclusiveness.
“Gender can be a sensitive topic, especially on the Internet,” said Google product manager Frances Haugen.
According to the Advocate, Haugen added that the request for gender neutrality – and for the option to reveal gender identity to as few or as many fellow users as desired – came from early Google+ members.
The Google+ gender-neutrality feature has prompted activists to petition Facebook for similar options.
