In today’s world, social media has become an indispensable tool for people to stay informed about the latest news and events. One of the most significant advantages of social media is that it enables us to keep up with the latest incidents of racism and discrimination. Whether it’s through hashtags, trending topics, or viral videos, social media platforms offer a unique perspective on how people around the world are addressing these issues. With the positive effect power of social media, individuals and communities can come together to raise awareness about racism and promote tolerance and understanding.
Social media serves as a powerful platform for raising awareness about racism by providing a space for individuals to share their experiences and stories. Thomas et al. 248 suggest platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook allow users to post their experiences of racism, even when these encounters were highlighted via storytelling, photographs, or videos. Through these shared experiences, racism becomes less abstract, more confronting, and relatable for those who may not be directly affected by it. In addition, social media empowers marginalized populations to speak out and communicate with a broader audience. Traditionally marginalized people like Black, Indigenous, and Humans of Color (BIPOC) can use social media to share their views and champion social justice causes. Utilizing hashtags such as #BlackLivesMatter and #StopAsianHate, communities can, therefore, drive encouragement and point system issues of prejudice and discrimination (Kim et al. 17).. For example, In June 2020, amidst widespread protests against racial injustice following the death of George Floyd, the #BlackLivesMatter hashtag trended globally on social media platforms, serving as a rallying cry to raise awareness about systemic racism and police brutality against Black communities.
Besides raising awareness, social media platforms have also helped in the facilitating of dialogue and education on racial problems in society. Ekman 608 suggests that Twitter and Facebook’s platforms offer spaces for discussions on race and ethnicity, enabling interaction with others from different cultural backgrounds. These discussions may result in more empathy, understanding, and solidarity within the platform.
Additionally, social media platforms provide the advantage of access to copious educational resources on racism and anti-racism. People can follow accounts and pages that are focused on providing information about racial justice, diversity, and tolerance (Ekman 608). From articles and podcasts doc, documentaries, and educational videos soc, social media is the best source of information that allows people to educate themselves about racism and its influence on social life.
Beyond raising awareness and fostering and creating dialogue, social media catalyzes mobilizing action and advocacy against racism. In recent years, social media has contributed significantly to the mass mobilization of people at protests, rallies, and demonstrations in response to events such as racism and police brutality (Thomas et al. 247). Social media channels, like Twitter or Instagram, allow activists to advertise such events, organize logistics, and invite fighters to participate. For instance, the online campaign against anti-Asian racism during the COVID-19 pandemic, amplified by social media, sparked widespread rallies and advocacy efforts to combat xenophobia and violence.
In addition, social media empowers people to donate to anti-racism movements and organizations. Credible crowdfunding platforms such as GoFundMe and Kickstarter, in addition to many others, allow users to contribute to funds that cover legal costs and those released after protesting and also benefit the small community groups (Thomas et al. 253). Furthermore, social media influencers, as well as celebrities, use their platforms to speak against racism and to encourage their followers to be active.
Although social media undoubtedly has been a helpful tool in fighting against racism, it is vital to acknowledge and resolve the worries and criticisms that have been raised on its effects. One common criticism against online activism is the idea of “slacktivism”, where people substitute precise actions with online support, which in the end does not have an impact on the ground, according to research by Thomas et al. 251. The opponents contend that the simple activity of liking or sharing does not produce real change about the entrenched racism. However, recognizing social media activism as a tool for individuals to become more socialized and knowledgeable about racism, among others, has become a warm topic of discussion nowadays. However, online activism alone may not resolve the issue, it can lead to awareness to spur a drive to action.
Another concern is the propagation of misinformation and incitement of hate on social media channels (Ekman 613). In spite of the efforts by various companies to combat hate speech and disinformation, racist content still flourishes on social media platforms. The algorithms that rank high on engagement and sensationalism tend to elevate the voices of extremists and also spread harmful communication that is divisive. Nevertheless, it is essential to differentiate between free expression and hate speech and to make sure that social media providers are responsible for implementing their policies well. In addition to that, users are able to participate in combating hate speech by flagging unsuitable content and endorsing constructive discourse.
In summary, social media plays a significant role in fighting racism via the ability to increase awareness, facilitate discussion and education, and generate online action and advocacy. Through media like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, people and communities create organizations by posting their experiences, participating in constructive dialogue, and taking direct action against racism. While the debate on slacktivism and misinformation is understandable, it should not prevent a discussion of the power of social media to be a force for good in the movement against racism. Through the use of social media for social equity, we are able to be agents of change for a more inclusive and fair society for everyone.
Kim, Jihye, and Jae Kim. “How did# StopAsianHate and# BlackLivesMatter React to Each Other After the Atlanta Shootings: An Analysis of Twitter Hashtag Networks.” (2023).
Ekman, Mattias. “Anti-immigration and racist discourse in social media.” European journal of Communication 34.6 (2019): 606-618.
Thomas, Alvin, et al. “Taking the good with the bad?: Social media and online racial discrimination influences on psychological and academic functioning in Black and Hispanic youth.” Journal of youth and adolescence 52.2 (2023): 245-257.