This is how racism is being spread across the internet

#socialmedia

Living in a networked world has many advantages. We get our news online almost as soon as it happens, we stay in touch with friends via social media, and we advance our careers through online professional networks.

But there is a darker side to the internet that sees far-right groups exploit these unique features to spread divisive ideas, racial hate and mistrust. Scholars of racism refer to this type of racist communication online as “cyber-racism”.

Racism’s digital footprint extends far beyond offline interactions. In our networked world, the internet serves as a powerful tool for both organized racist groups and unaffiliated individuals to spread divisive ideas and racial hate1. Here’s how they operate:

1. Individuals:

• Channels: They engage in cyber-racism through blogs, forums, news commentary websites, gaming environments, and chat rooms.

• Goals: To hurt others and confirm their racist views by connecting with like-minded people (seeking “confirmation bias”).

• Strategies: Denying or minimizing racism, denigrating “non-whites,” and reframing news stories to support their views.

1. Groups:

• Channels: Racist groups prefer their own websites.

• Goals: Gather support for their group and views through racist propaganda.

• Strategies: Manipulating information, using clever rhetoric, and building a sense of a broader “white” identity that transcends national borders.