The civil unrest, racism and violence that began after three girls were murdered in Southport has highlighted the importance of developing media literacy skills and countering identity-based hatred. The rioting was triggered by false information and bigotry promoted on social media platforms, much of which was shared by malign actors seeking to stoke hatred and capitalise on the anti-migrant and Islamophobic sentiments that have circulated in society in recent years. These sentiments, left unchecked, as well as a lack of critical thinking, are a danger to social cohesion and leave targeted groups at risk of serious harm.
"People need to be taught empathy and tolerance, and learn more about the diverse identities and concerns of people in their communities and across society."
Building Bridges
While the unrest fuelled divisions and spread fear, it also allowed for the compassion running through society to come to the fore. After the rioting, communities united, participating in mass clean-ups and denouncing the violence. Moreover, as lists circulated on social media targeting sites, such as mosques and immigration centres, thousands came out to stand against hate and protect the locations named (questions, however, have been raised over whether or not some lists were just another form of misinformation). There were also incredible acts of courage. At a mosque in Liverpool, Imam Adam Kelwick sought to connect with those who came to sow discord by sharing food and engaging in conversation. This bridge-building work fostered understanding and created opportunities for finding common ground.
Despite these upstanding community members, there is work to do to heal the exposed divisions and avoid future outbreaks of violence. People need to be taught empathy and tolerance, and learn more about the diverse identities and concerns of people in their communities and across society: both those engaging in racist rhetoric and those challenging it can brand each other as backward and misguided. Moreover, the religion of Islam is widely painted as oppressive, while some people expressing genuine grievances concerning their quality of life are branded as bigots. Schools are important places in which this education can begin.
"The digital space is not a vacuum – it directly influences and impacts people’s views and treatment of others offline."
Fact or Disinformation
Irrespective of age or political persuasion, we all need to develop skills to avoid spreading and falling prey to misinformation. While the internet and social media have given many a voice, democratising expression, this has, at times, come at the expense of truth and contributed to polarisation. The digital space is not a vacuum – it directly influences and impacts people’s views and treatment of others offline. Everyone has a responsibility to understand how this space works, how it contributes to the spread of false information, and how sharing content which promotes disinformation, hatred or violence can encourage real life harm. In an interconnected world of rapid content diffusion, we all bear responsibility for what we post and share.
"It is vital for young people to develop media literacy skills."
Media Literacy
Given this context, it is vital for young people to develop media literacy skills. Doing so can help them to develop as conscientious content creators and sharers, who consider the human impact and potential societal reverberations of their posts; to engage critically and responsibly with information, fact-checking details and assessing credibility before sharing; and to nurture a healthy scepticism that can protect them from being manipulated by vested interests seeking to drive hatred and violence. Being sceptical can also prevent students from being drawn to content promoting conspiracy theories, which are often rooted in Islamophobia and antisemitism, and which fuel prejudice and harm the mental health of their believers. Understanding how social media algorithms push shocking content to boost engagement can also encourage students to be mindful of what they engage with.
Possessing media literacy skills therefore imbues young people with agency, helping them thrive in what can sometimes feel like a confusing world; empowers them to discern what is true from what is not, which is vital for effective decision-making; counter threats to social cohesion; and helps them safeguard their mental health.
