Anti-Social Media: Designed to Divide?
Should we really trust everything they tweet?
By Holly Miles
Tensions have been high across the world politically in the last decade or so. With various divisions increasing across the occident and much to be desired with our own leaders struggling to come to resolute agreements. What on earth has caused such a divisive political system? In the past 10 years we have seen a steady increase in support of right-wing party support worldwide, with figures across Europe increasing to an average of 20% with over 30 million supporters combined across Europe. In the U.K. alone there has been a sharp rise in the figures for Right-Wing related terrorism in hate crimes from 16% — 29% according to the UK Home Office. But why? Surely something must have changed in the past decade to grow such a strong wave of support for the right?
Significantly the use of social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook have been growing exponentially since 2010. These outlets that allow pretty much anyone, anywhere to promote any idea or view they choose. And it has led to a higher degree of discussion and engagement with politics closer to leadership elections and other crucial decisions such as the 2016 Brexit referendum in which Britons voted on whether to remain in or leave the European Union. So yes, platforms where it is possible for individuals to share their opinions can play a role. However, there is something much darker at play. It has been discovered that these online social media sites make use of an echo chamber system aptly deemed “filter bubbles”. Meaning, if you show any interest in a certain political ideology, it is extremely likely that the content you are shown will reflect these views, leading you to believe that the majority of people share your views.
It’s hardly surprising then that the xenophobia and racism of the extreme right has been emboldened in the past few years. This added to a feeling of security among left wing voters that they have nothing to worry about has led to a sway of interest for the right-wing. This is not the only factor at play, political systems have certainly realised how to play to the advantages of the social media algorithms, exploiting them through a series of loopholes and dodgy deals with big businesses to sway our views. Note that both Donald Trump and Boris Johnson have been grilled for their involvement with media outlets that it had been alleged they’ve used to sway election voters in past elections.
But how does this personally affect the individual? Should we be concerned? And what can we do to stop our views being censored and swayed, and our minds being manipulated? Well there is no one simple answer. What we all can try to do is be a little more critical of our media consumption. Whichever direction you’re being swayed and wherever the bias is headed, don’t just be a yes-man! It’s time to think critically about what you consume for your well-being and to help you sort the fact from fiction. I am not just concerned with politics here, it’s also about surrounding yourself with people that you love and trust the content of. There are several news outlets that profit from the big business of fear. Finding the things that make people anxious and playing upon them on social media, certainly has detrimental effects as we’re beginning to realise. A study of over 6,000 adolescents reported that those that used social media more regularly reported an increase in anxiety and depressive symptoms over those who didn’t.
So, what can we do about this? Well there are 4 main ways in which you can try to prevent the divisions and deceptions of the current day social media platforms.
Number one: surround yourself with an equal weighting of those who challenge and support your views.
Number 2: Think critically about the media you consume and moderate the time you spend in the virtual world.
Number 3: Be the change you want to see. If you’re tired of seeing negativity and disaster on your timelines or home pages light it up with positivity. But be realistic, all people are human and it’s too easy to fall into the trap of thinking everybody’s lives are perfect just because that’s what they show on Instagram.
Finally, and last but not least hold big business and government accountable. Write to your local MPs if you feel governmental practices are unacceptable. Protest wrong decisions if you feel able and make them change however you are able.
