Racism on Social Media

Social media encourages us to share our lives, experiences and most importantly, our views. There is an emphasis and incentive for users to showcase themselves on platforms like Instagram, Twitter and Facebook and a way for people to have an overview of the lives of others.

However, the main concern is that not everyone spreads positive sentiments on social media. Just like in real life, some individuals often hold bigoted and racist views, and because of the nature of social media, these views are now being shared on these platforms.

As a result, these views can now reach minorities on a large scale, furthering the discrimination and hurt they face. We often use social media to seek entertainment and a safe space from the outside world, but minorities are still being discriminated against. Hence social media companies have to protect these individuals, as seen in the examples below.

How Can Social Media Firms Tackle Racist Abuse of Soccer Players?

Users complained that racist comments on the profiles of three Black soccer players were visible for hours

TimeBilly Perrigo

Combating racism on social media: 5 key insights on bystander intervention

Melissa Brown, Samantha Elizondo, and Rashawn Ray write that understanding the best strategies for online bystander intervention is the first step in targeting aggression online and to improve how social media users discuss racism, we must foster a digital culture that values prosocial discourse.

BrookingsMelissa Brown, Samantha Elizondo, and Rashawn Ray

‘More must be done to confront online racism’ | The Young Foundation

Research led and directed by peer researchers on the Kickstart scheme explores the role social media plays in amplifying discrimination, hate and abuse.

The Young Foundation

Online racism is a clear issue; more should be and can be done to minimise racism on the platform. On the other hand, restricting racists post comes with some drastic consequences.

Preventing users from posting racist views means that they keep these views to themselves, and their beliefs do not get challenged. This prevents bystander intervention and leads to the formation of echo chambers.

Measuring magnetism: how social media creates echo chambers

A comparison of sharing platforms shows that users tend to gather in groups whose members think alike, and that polarisation is greater when content feeds cannot be easily tweaked.

NatureMichele Travierso

Bystander Intervention on Social Media: Responding to Racist Hate Speech and Cyberbullying | The Brian Lehrer Show | WNYC

What do you do when you’re a bystander to cyber bullying? How do you stand up for someone online?

WNYC

Bystander intervention on social media: Examining cyberbullying and reactions to systemic racism

Despite a rise in cyberbullying over the past decade, bystander intervention still proves an effective countermeasure.

BrookingsRashawn Ray, Melissa Brown, Edward Summers, Samantha Elizondo, and Connor Powelson

To conclude, while there are valid cases for both sides, what's most important is that racism remains a prevalent issue and that every step in tackling it, big or small, helps minimise the pain that minorities feel. We are all human and should treat each other as such and stand up to racists to create a safer world for everyone.