How Facebook Became A Tool for Genocide
Myanmar Genocide
Myanmar, a Southeast Asian country, has a tragic history of violence against the Rohingya people, a Muslim minority group. This persecution escalated into genocide, and a major culprit was Facebook.
In Myanmar, where internet access grew rapidly, Facebook became the main source of news and communication for many. However, extremist groups and individuals linked to the military exploited the platform to spread anti-Rohingya propaganda. They painted the Rohingya as illegal immigrants and a threat to the Buddhist majority, dehumanizing them with hateful language. False stories about Rohingya violence went viral, fueling fear and justifying retaliation.
Facebook’s algorithms, designed to keep people engaged, made the problem worse. Inflammatory content got the most attention, ensuring these hateful messages reached a massive audience. The company’s limited understanding of the Burmese language and the situation in Myanmar meant they couldn’t effectively remove the harmful content.
This unchecked online hatred had devastating consequences. Mobs, driven by social media rumors and calls for violence, attacked Rohingya villages. In 2017, the military launched a brutal crackdown that the United Nations has labeled a genocide. Over 700,000 Rohingya were forced to flee to neighboring Bangladesh, many witnessing horrific atrocities.
The UN has accused Facebook of playing a significant role in inciting the violence. While Facebook has acknowledged its failures, critics say they didn’t act fast enough or decisively enough. Survivors are now seeking justice through legal action, aiming to hold the social media giant accountable.
The Myanmar case is a chilling reminder of the power of social media to fuel division and violence, especially in countries with existing tensions and vulnerable populations. It highlights the urgent need for tech companies to prioritize human rights and safety over engagement and profit, and for all of us to be critical consumers of online information.
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8B0bWO9u3M&t=498s&ab_channel=JohnnyHarris
