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What role do social media platforms play in exacerbating racial tension in society?

Braden McCraine

As a regular user of social media, I believe that these platforms play a significant role in exacerbating racial tension within society. The ease of access and the ability to share opinions and thoughts globally leaves room for discriminatory behavior and allows hateful messages to spread like wildfire. Social media platforms have given people a place to voice their opinion freely, even if it manifests prejudice and intolerance towards certain races.

One example of this is the increase of hate speech that has been shown towards minorities on social media platforms. This is not only an upsetting and hurtful experience for those who are targeted, but it also perpetuates the rift between different races and ethnicities. By promoting hateful messages, social media platforms give those with bigoted beliefs a sense of validation, encouraging further discriminatory behavior.

Furthermore, social media algorithms have been shown to create a ‘bubble’ around users, showing them content that reinforces their pre-existing beliefs. This can further entrench an individual’s biases, leading to an echo chamber in which they only see and hear ideas that they have already expressed before. This leads to the proliferation of discriminatory beliefs, as users are not exposed to alternative viewpoints.

In addition, the anonymity of social media lends to the exacerbation of racial tensions. This anonymity encourages some users to act negatively towards others online, making discriminatory comments that they might not necessarily say in person. This means that people who may have been too afraid to voice their intolerances in public now have a platform to do so.

The lack of regulation and accountability on social media platforms contributes to the perpetuation of such discriminatory behavior. Unlike in real life, the repercussions for expressing such views online are generally limited. In contrast, social media platforms have a responsibility to monitor and take action against users who incite hateful or discriminatory attitudes.

However, social media platforms can also be used to bring people together. Users can showcase their culture and promote a positive message of diversity through various media. Social media has the power to create a groundswell of support for oppressed minorities and can be used for good if used responsibly.

In conclusion, social media platforms play a significant role in exacerbating racial tension in society. Their ability to disseminate potentially harmful messages quickly and their lack of accountability gives bigoted individuals a wider and more accessible platform. Having said that, social media platforms, when used responsibly, can have the power to promote good and connect people from diverse backgrounds. Ultimately,it is upto individual users to promote positivity and respect, while social media platforms must take their role in curbing discriminatory behavior seriously.