Social media's ascent has created new platforms for individuals to express themselves and establish connections with others worldwide. It has, however, also made it possible for a troubling trend of hate speech, online harassment, and purposeful emotional harm to others.
This nefarious behaviour is often driven by a desire for attention, a misguided sense of righteousness, or even financial incentives from platforms that monetise outrageous content.
A severe example of this phenomenon is a surge of hate posts directed at numerous groups on X, an influential social media platform. X compensates content creators based on engagement metrics, including views, likes, and shares.
While actual payout rates are not publicly published, various estimates suggest that X pays popular creators roughly $3 per 1,000 video views. This pay-per-view approach inadvertently encourages creators to create sensationalised and inflammatory content that captures attention, even if it means vilifying or degrading others.
The consequences of these hate-fueled posts can be devastating. Individuals and communities subjected to online harassment and hate speech often experience significant emotional distress, anxiety, and a diminished sense of safety and belonging. In some cases, the real-world implications can be even more severe, leading to discrimination, violence, or other forms of tangible harm.
It is crucial to recognise that freedom of expression, while a fundamental right, does not give individuals carte blanche to harm others. Just as we have laws and social norms governing acceptable behaviour in physical spaces, there must be reasonable boundaries and consequences for online conduct that crosses the line into harassment, hate speech, or the deliberate infliction of emotional distress.
So, how can we combat this toxic behaviour online?
One practical approach is to ignore and disengage from hateful content. We can eliminate their motivations and platforms by depriving wicked creators of the attention and engagement they so desperately need.
In addition, the majority of social media platforms offer comprehensive content moderation and barring functionalities, enabling users to identify and report instances of abusive and harassing behaviour.
Active participation in curating our online environments can significantly contribute to developing more constructive digital communities.
Ultimately, engaging in hurtful online behaviour for personal gain or fleeting internet fame reflects one's moral character and priorities.
Is the potential for short-term financial gain or a momentary rush of attention truly worth the long-term damage inflicted on others and the erosion of civility and empathy in our digital spaces?
As responsible internet citizens, we must hold ourselves and our platforms accountable for fostering a more compassionate and inclusive online environment. This may involve advocating for more robust content moderation policies, promoting digital literacy and ethical online behaviour, or simply engaging with content that uplifts and brings people together rather than tearing them apart.
The choice is ours: Will we prioritise our selfish interests at the expense of others, or will we strive to create a kinder, more respectful digital world for all?
About the Author Ivan Nyagatare is a Rwandan writer, educator, and entrepreneur who lives in the UK. Ivan writes a daily newsletter about improving perspectives in life.
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