Social Media, Algorithms and Connections. Zoe Manalo (Post #11)

 

Social Media, Algorithms and Connections

Zoe Manalo, Post #11


    Social media is supposed to connect us, but lately I've been thinking about how it can also divide us, especially for marginalized communities. Algorithms decide what we see and who gets seen, and that process often ends up reinforcing bias. For example, posts by users talking about racism or gender identity are sometimes flagged or hidden, while other kinds of harmful content slip through. It's a reminder that even behind the scenes code carries human bias. Platform design can also play a big role. Things like verification badges, trending pages, and filters can all send subtly signs about who's valued and who's ignored. For people already underrepresented that can make social media feel like a space where they're tolerated, but not included. 

    For organizations, promoting inclusion online means more than sharing a few diversity posts during heritage months. It's about looking critically at how they communicate. Are they lifting up diverse voices? Are they listening to communities? Do their policies actually make people feel safe to engage? 

    At the end of the day, social media can be a tool for connections and belonging, but only if we keep questioning how it's built and who is serves. 

Comments

  1. Lauren MesleyNovember 16, 2025 at 3:29 PM

    I completely agree! I think so many companies "perform" diversity instead of actually creating a safe space for their marginalized staff and customers. An example that comes to mind are all the corporations who have floats during Pride parades. Last year (maybe two years ago?), Starbucks was at NYC Pride and I literally started booing them because this was directly in the wake of when Starbucks was blatantly union-busting as their workers tried to unionize. I've since stopped going to Pride parades because it just feels too corporate these days.

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