In what ways do social media platforms perpetuate and challenge social inequalities and power structures? Provide a critical analysis.

Social Media & Social Inequalities

1. provide voice to marginals to express their dissent
2. provide platform to share historic injustices and raise awareness regarding inequality (e.g) #MeToo, #Black lives Matter
3. help break social barriers in real life and decrease prejudices against the vulnerable.

But at the same time

1. can be used to spread hate (e.g) Bois locku room scandal on instagram
2. re-enforce existing prejudices (e.g) red pill subculture arguing for misogny.

Power Structures

1. Social media has furthered democracy allowing people to express their views and challenge authorities
2. it is used to seek accountability from authorities for their actions and unactions
3. allows people to actively participate in critical policy discourses (eg) Indians → #Boycott Maldives after Maldivian ministers comments about PM.

But at the same time,

1. Social media acts as an echo box amplifying confirmation bias in people
2. used to spread misinformation (e.g) during covid psuedoscientific treatments
3. as a tool for social engineering to polarise people.

Solutions We need to constructively use social media by-

1. controlling misinformation & fact check unit
2. detering hate speech online
3. awareness in people regarding being responsible netizens
4. anti-trolling campaigns
5. safeguards against deep fakes
6. protection of women, children etc against cyber bullying and exploitation.