Online Communities and Social Media
The internet is a social environment that can be very helpful in reducing isolation. This is especially true for people who share marginalized identities. On the other hand, online anonymity can make it easier to behave harmfully—by bullying people or using hate speech. This can also create “echo chambers,” where similar ideas are repeated. This can lead to radicalization and hate groups.[] Increased use of the internet has been accompanied by a rise in online violence. Social media, such as Facebook and Instagram, are also social environments. They have the same types of benefits and problems as online communities.[]
[VSE42] Young, Olivia. (2019). “What Role Has Social Media Played in Violence Perpetrated by Incels?”. Peace Studies Student Papers and Posters. 1. https://digitalcommons.chapman.edu/peace_studies_student_work/1 https://digitalcommons.chapman.edu/peace_studies_student_work/1
[VSE43] Adams, W. J. (2021). The augmentation of digital violence during COVID-19. Papers in Arts and Humanities, 1(2). https://artshumanities.partium.ro/index.php/pah/article/view/66