Social and Public Health

Queerbaiting Harm in Media and How to Stop It

Queerbaiting is a widespread marketing tactic in media that hints at queer relationships or identities without delivering authentic representation, often exploiting LGBTQ+ audiences for profit . This practice has evolved from historical roots of concealment and persecution to a modern form of media manipulation that harms queer individuals emotionally and socially . Despite progress in queer representation, queerbaiting continues to affect the mental health and identity development of LGBTQ+ people, highlighting the need for awareness and action from both creators and audiences .