Breaking the Cycle of Social Media and Political Violence

"Breaking the Cycle of Social Media and Political Violence" delves into the complex relationship between social media platforms and the rise of political violence. It explores how online interactions can fuel unrest and examines potential strategies to mitigate this issue. The discussion focuses on promoting responsible use of social media, enhancing digital literacy, and implementing policies to reduce the spread of inflammatory content, aiming to create a more peaceful and informed society.

The attempted assassination of Donald Trump on July 13, 2024, intensified an already heated election season. In this instance, political violence was directed at the party often associated with such actions. This incident highlights the uncontrollable nature of political violence and the perilous state of current American society.

A contributing factor is the inherently contentious and adversarial nature of American politics. However, technology exacerbates the challenge for Americans to grasp sudden news developments.

Gone are the days when a few media outlets delivered news to a broad audience, thoroughly fact-checked by professional journalists.

Today, anyone can "report" news online, offering what they claim is "analysis" and blending fact, fiction, speculation, and opinion to fit a specific narrative or political viewpoint.

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This perspective can appear legitimate due to the poster's official position, net worth, social media following, or attention from mainstream news organizations eager to fill news cycles.

Moreover, convincing deepfake audio and video clips, which can mislead and sow confusion, add to the problem.

Internet-based narratives today often include personal attacks, either directly or through implication, which experts term "stochastic terrorism" that can incite violence. Political violence has been a result for years, as seen in attacks on U.S. Rep. Gabby Giffords, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s husband, Paul, the 2017 congressional baseball practice shooting, the Jan. 6, 2021 insurrection, and now the attempted assassination of a former president running for office again.

During his Secret Service evacuation, Donald Trump paused to raise a clenched fist to the crowd. Rebecca Droke/AFP via Getty Images

When bullets and conspiracies fly

As a security and internet researcher, I found it predictable that within minutes of the attack, right-wing social media would explode with narratives blaming political rivals, the media, or suggesting a federal government "inside job."

Not only average internet users or prominent business figures fanned these flames. Several Republicans issued such statements from their official social media accounts. For example, less than an hour after the attack, Georgia Congressman Mike Collins accused President Joe Biden of "inciting an assassination" and claimed Biden "sent the orders." Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, Trump's nominee for vice president, also implied Biden's responsibility for the attack.

The bloodied former president delayed his Secret Service evacuation for a fist-pumping photo before leaving the rally. His campaign sent a defiant fundraising email later that evening, leading some critics to suggest the incident was a "false flag" attack staged to garner sympathy. Others argued it fit into Trump's narrative of being persecuted.

Historically, it’s noteworthy that former Brazil right-wing President Jair Bolsonaro survived an assassination attempt in 2018 to become president in 2019.

Bad information can spread globally faster than the truth can catch up. Richard Drury/Digital Vision via Getty Images

It's long known that internet narratives, memes, and content can spread like wildfire before the actual truth emerges. Unfortunately, these narratives, whether factual or fictional, can be picked up and perceived as legitimate by traditional news organizations, further disseminating them.

Many who see such amplified messages often believe them, and some may respond with political violence or terrorism.

Can anything help?

 Research indicates some ways to break this dangerous cycle.

After breaking news, remember that initial reports are often wrong, incomplete, or inaccurate. Rather than rushing to repost during rapidly developing events, it's best to avoid retweeting or sharing online content immediately. Once information is confirmed by multiple credible sources across the political spectrum, it is likely safe to believe and share.

Amid so much competing information, it's challenging to discern the truth. mikkelwilliam/E+ via Getty Images

Long-term, as a nation and society, understanding how technology and human tendencies interact is crucial. Teaching schoolchildren media literacy and critical thinking can help future citizens distinguish fact from fiction in a complex world.

Expanding civics and history lessons in schools can provide students with historical context, helping them learn from the past and avoid repeating mistakes.

Social media companies also play a role. Recently, they have disbanded teams monitoring content and boosting user trust in platform information. Supreme Court rulings clarify that these companies can police their platforms for disinformation, misinformation, and conspiracy theories. However, companies and "free speech absolutists" like X owner Elon Musk, who refuse to remove controversial but legal content, may endanger public safety.

Traditional media organizations must objectively inform the public without promoting unverified conspiracy theories or misinformation. Ideally, qualified guests on news programs should provide useful facts and informed opinions rather than speculation. Serious news hosts should avoid "just asking questions" or "bothsiderism" to move fringe theories into the news cycle, where they gain traction.

The public has a role, too.

Responsible citizens should elect officials and support political parties that reject conspiracy theories and personal attacks as normal strategies. Voters should reward politicians who focus on policy accomplishments, not media imagery or social media follower counts.

Over time, this could signal that modern internet political narratives serve no useful purpose beyond sowing discord and degrading governmental functionality, potentially leading to political violence and terrorism.

Understandably, these are not instant remedies. Many efforts will take time, money, and courage to accomplish.

Until then, Americans might revisit the golden rule – treating others as we wish to be treated. Emphasizing facts, integrity, and media literacy in schools are good starting points.

For questions or comments write to writers@bostonbrandmedia.com

Source: theconversation‍