Legal reforms shift public discourse on social issues across Asia, but acceptance varies by context

This article explores the impact of legal reforms on same-sex relationships across Asia, focusing on changes in public discourse. The past decade has seen legal changes in India, Taiwan, Singapore, and Thailand. A new study led by NUS Communications and New Media Associate Professor Kokil Jaidka analyzes social media posts and survey responses to determine if legal reform leads to social change.

The research, published in Nature Human Behaviour, reveals that while legal changes reshape public discourse, the path to social acceptance depends on the surrounding institutional and media environment. In Singapore, Taiwan, and Thailand, hostile language on Instagram declined after reform, indicating that legal reform reshapes public expression, particularly for those already engaged in the conversation.

However, the results vary across countries and platforms. In India, hostile language increased on Instagram, and changes on Facebook were modest. Perceptions of neighborhood safety for same-sex couples initially declined but recovered in some age groups and countries. The study highlights the importance of institutional context in moderating the impact of legal reform.

Stronger press and expression freedoms in countries like Taiwan led to more sustained reductions in hostile online discourse. The study also uncovered a challenge in measuring online discourse: toxicity classifiers can inadvertently flag nontoxic content, particularly when identity terms are used. This finding underscores the need to use these tools with awareness of their limitations.

The research has practical implications for online platforms, media organizations, and community groups, emphasizing the need for sustained engagement and addressing the challenges of translating legal changes into lived experiences.