The increasing influence of social media has resulted in a rise in mental health concerns and a surge in online hate.
It’s time to #CancelHate and reclaim our digital spaces.
Social media is a battlefield, polarizing us through algorithms that
amplify our differences and trigger our worst instincts.
Click on the blue dots to see its impact around the world.
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United States
The 2016 presidential election and subsequent presidency of Donald Trump saw a significant increase in the use of social media by both supporters and opponents. This led to the proliferation of online echo chambers and the spread of conspiracy theories & misinformation, further exacerbating the divide between the two sides. The Jan 6 riots at the US Capitol, which aimed to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election, were also largely organized and fueled by social media platforms.
One example of legislative proposals aimed at holding social media platforms accountable for their role in spreading misinformation, hate speech, and incitement to violence. is the SAFE TECH Act, which was introduced in 2021 and seeks to reform Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, a law that provides legal immunity to social media platforms for content posted by their users. The act proposes to make social media companies more accountable for content that violates their terms ofservice, as well as establish a process for users to appeal content moderation decisions.
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United Kingdom
Social media played a role in the Brexit referendum, with pro-Leave and pro-Remain groups using social media to spread their message and influence public opinion. This led to a deep divide in the country, with many feeling that their views were not represented by the political establishment.
In recent times, the government has proposed a new Online Safety Bill, which would give Ofcom, the country’s communications regulator, the power to impose fines on social media companies that fail to remove harmful content from their platforms. The bill would also require social media companies to take steps to protect children from harmful content, and to establish clear rules for content moderation.
Canada
Social media has contributed to polarization between Quebec separatists and the rest of the country. Social media platforms have provided a space for the spread of nationalist sentiment, with some advocating for Quebec’s separation from the rest of Canada. This has led to increased political tensions and a divide in the country.
The government has proposed legislation to combat online hate speech, including the Digital Charter Implementation Act, which seeks to create a framework for regulating social media companies and holding them accountable for content on their platforms. The proposed law would require social media companies to remove illegal content within 24 hours of receiving a complaint, and would establish a regulatory body to oversee the enforcement of the law.
Australia
Social media has contributed to the polarization of political views, with conservative and progressive groups becoming increasingly divided. This has led to a lack of cooperation between political parties and a sense of political paralysis in the country.
The government has proposed a News Media Bargaining Code, which seeks to make social media companies pay for news content shared on their platforms. The proposed law is aimed at addressing the power imbalance between traditional media outlets and social media platforms, and has been the subject of intense debate and scrutiny.
New Zealand
Social media played a role in the Christchurch mosque shootings in 2019. The perpetrator used social media to spread hate speech and white supremacist ideology, leading to a rise in hate crimes and Islamophobia in the country. This tragedy further polarized New Zealand society and highlighted the dangers of unchecked social media use.
The government has proposed amendments to the Harmful Digital Communications Act, which would create new offences for incitement to suicide and the distribution of intimate visual recordings. The proposed amendments would also establish a new communications tribunal to hear complaints about harmful digital content.
United States
The 2016 presidential election and subsequent presidency of Donald Trump saw a significant increase in the use of social media by both supporters and opponents. This led to the proliferation of online echo chambers and the spread of conspiracy theories & misinformation, further exacerbating the divide between the two sides. The Jan 6 riots at the US Capitol, which aimed to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election, were also largely organized and fueled by social media platforms.
One example of legislative proposals aimed at holding social media platforms accountable for their role in spreading misinformation, hate speech, and incitement to violence. is the SAFE TECH Act, which was introduced in 2021 and seeks to reform Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, a law that provides legal immunity to social media platforms for content posted by their users. The act proposes to make social media companies more accountable for content that violates their terms ofservice, as well as establish a process for users to appeal content moderation decisions.
United Kingdom
Social media played a role in the Brexit referendum, with pro-Leave and pro-Remain groups using social media to spread their message and influence public opinion. This led to a deep divide in the country, with many feeling that their views were not represented by the political establishment.
In recent times, the government has proposed a new Online Safety Bill, which would give Ofcom, the country’s communications regulator, the power to impose fines on social media companies that fail to remove harmful content from their platforms. The bill would also require social media companies to take steps to protect children from harmful content, and to establish clear rules for content moderation.
Canada
Social media has contributed to polarization between Quebec separatists and the rest of the country. Social media platforms have provided a space for the spread of nationalist sentiment, with some advocating for Quebec’s separation from the rest of Canada. This has led to increased political tensions and a divide in the country.
The government has proposed legislation to combat online hate speech, including the Digital Charter Implementation Act, which seeks to create a framework for regulating social media companies and holding them accountable for content on their platforms. The proposed law would require social media companies to remove illegal content within 24 hours of receiving a complaint, and would establish a regulatory body to oversee the enforcement of the law.
Australia
Social media has contributed to the polarization of political views, with conservative and progressive groups becoming increasingly divided. This has led to a lack of cooperation between political parties and a sense of political paralysis in the country.
The government has proposed a News Media Bargaining Code, which seeks to make social media companies pay for news content shared on their platforms. The proposed law is aimed at addressing the power imbalance between traditional media outlets and social media platforms, and has been the subject of intense debate and scrutiny.
New Zealand
Social media played a role in the Christchurch mosque shootings in 2019. The perpetrator used social media to spread hate speech and white supremacist ideology, leading to a rise in hate crimes and Islamophobia in the country. This tragedy further polarized New Zealand society and highlighted the dangers of unchecked social media use.
The government has proposed amendments to the Harmful Digital Communications Act, which would create new offences for incitement to suicide and the distribution of intimate visual recordings. The proposed amendments would also establish a new communications tribunal to hear complaints about harmful digital content.
Ways to
reclaim your power…
Raise your voice and hold companies & their algorithms accountable. Each tweet also raises $1 for anti-hate causes
Seek support through helpful communities that provide tools & resources to people experiencing hate online
Foster better relationships with technology by learning ways to balance every day usage to limit affects like anxiety & depression
Choose…
Empathy over anger,
Dialogue over division,
Love over fear.
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