Digital literacy is more crucial than ever. In today’s information age, we must all be vigilant about the validity of online sources. It’s easy to get swept up in sensational headlines and viral posts, but understanding the broader context is key. This extends beyond just social media—news channels have long influenced public perception. Being selective about what you follow and where you get your information is critical. Remember, Instagram or other social platforms should not be your sole source of news.
While social media is often blamed for spreading misinformation and fueling division, it's important to recognize that these platforms are not the root cause. Far-right propaganda, xenophobia, and other harmful ideologies have been on the rise long before the advent of social media, particularly within the EU. Pointing fingers at social media alone allows governments and citizens to deflect responsibility. People with privilege, in particular, have a responsibility to challenge these harmful narratives and not just blame the platforms that amplify them.
Recent events in the UK illustrate how disinformation can have real-world consequences. Several accounts on socialplatforms spread false information, leading to far-right riots fueled by racist and xenophobic sentiments. The media’s role in amplifying these falsehoods highlights the urgent need for digital literacy and accountability. We must critically assess the content we consume to prevent further harm. Platform Al Jazeera explains perfectly in a video on their website, click here.
Social media platforms have immense power in shaping public discourse, but this power comes with responsibility. Although these platforms are open spaces, they are not exempt from the duty to moderate hate speech and misinformation. For instance, X (formerly Twitter) recently removed its feature for reporting misinformation, sparking concerns about the unchecked spread of falsehoods (source: The Guardian). Despite this, platforms still retain mechanisms for reporting harassment, hate speech, and other harmful content, but the question remains — are they doing enough?
Blaming platforms like Instagram, Facebook, or X solely for the spread of misinformation and hate isn’t sufficient. There’s a need for greater transparency in how these companies monitor and manage content, what policies they have in place, and the criteria they use for content review. Clear and transparent guidelines could make a significant difference in curbing the spread of harmful content online, ensuring that these platforms contribute positively to the digital landscape.
Ultimately, responsible digital literacy and platform accountability go hand in hand. The digital world is a reflection of our society, and it’s up to each of us to engage thoughtfully and critically. By doing so, we can ensure that our media consumption doesn't just entertain or inform us, but also contributes to a safer, more inclusive world where harmful narratives are challenged and corrected.
“There’s little doubt that social media plays a significant role in stoking tensions. However, the threat of the far right is not new, and many of their views entered the political mainstream long before we were glued to our screens.”
- Anealla Safdar.
