Over the last several years, there has been a belief in some circles that the increase of transgender people over the last decade is some sort of "social contagion" brought on by the evil influence of the internet. It is as if being trans is a trend or in-group identity, versus being a real thing that people experience.
Further, the notion feels a bit like satanic panics from the 1980s, or even the frenzy over supposed teenager codes embedded in snap bracelets or texting acronyms. While, yes, there likely are more people identifying openly about being trans or nonbinary today than ever before, it's not because it's a fad or trend, let alone some sort of online virus. It's because information and support are easier to come by.