The Role of Social Media in Active Attacks
Social media started out as a way for people to connect online and was created with the best of intentions. Over the years the use of social media has taken a dark turn. It has led to divisiveness among different political groups and has helped to drive a wedge in how different groups view each other. It has become a source for some who feel they are not accepted by society to express their rage and anger on groups they perceive have wronged them. Many studies have come out recently showing the negative effects on juveniles, especially females in the areas of depression and anxiety due to social media usage.
Social media has long had a role in active attacks in the United States. Many studies and after-action reports have found active attackers have viewed social media sites that promote violence or glorify prior active attack incidents. The shooter from the recent attack at a Colorado high school last week was reportedly radicalized according to officials. Although no further details were provided it would be assumed this radicalization occurred online.
The Anti-Defamation League released a report last Friday stating several active shooters from the past year had visited the same website which promoted white supremacist ideas and displayed graphic violent scenes against people and animals. Active attackers often frequent sites or chat groups which tend to affirm their ideas of how they view society and become echo chambers for their violent beliefs. Individuals who may already have mental health problems or issues assimilating into society will find acceptance in certain websites and chat rooms. These sites can exacerbate someone’s mental illness or anti-social behavior.
Active attackers have also detailed motives for their attacks on social media sites. Some attackers will even live stream their attacks or set up videos to post after the attack to explain their motivation for carrying out violence. These videos and manifestos will often be spread on other underground sites where they can be viewed by others who may share the attacker’s ideology.
Because of the negative nature of social media parents should take steps in monitoring their children’s social media behavior. Parents should review what sites their children are visiting and even block sites which can be harmful to youth. This is not an easy task as most kids are more tech savvy than their parents and know who to get around blocked sites or view sites without parents’ knowledge.
Social media companies should also take responsibility for what is said and posted on their sites. Violent media or statements should be banned as part of media use guidelines. There should also be educational campaigns for parents and children on when to report concerning behavior that is posted on social media. There is a fine line between free speech and promoting or inciting violence. Social media companies should take responsibility for the latter when operating their sites.
In my opinion social media has caused more division and hate in this country than what was the norm prior to its use. This has been displayed recently with high-profile firings of people who have celebrated online the assassination of fellow human being. Social media allows people to hide behind a screen and spout rhetoric they would not otherwise say in person. We all should reconsider our use of social media and think about a return to normal discourse with people who may not share the same beliefs as we do. I believe this would be a good first step in reducing violence and hate in this country.
