Online segregation

Date and country of first publication^[1]

2016
United States

Definition

Online segregation refers to the practice of dividing internet users into separate communities or platforms based on their race, gender, or other characteristics. This can occur through various means, such as online forums or social media platforms that cater exclusively to certain groups.

While the internet has the potential to connect people from diverse backgrounds and foster cross-cultural understanding, online segregation can hinder this process by creating echo chambers and reinforcing existing social divisions. It can lead to the formation of isolated online communities that only interact with people who share similar beliefs, resulting in limited exposure to different perspectives and ideas.

Online segregation can also contribute to the spread of misinformation and hate speech, as individuals within segregated communities may reinforce and amplify extreme views without being exposed to counterarguments or alternative viewpoints. This can further polarize online discussions and exacerbate societal divisions.

It is important to promote inclusivity and diversity in online spaces in order to foster meaningful dialogue and understanding among people from different backgrounds. This can be achieved by encouraging collaboration and interaction across various online platforms, promoting digital literacy and critical thinking skills, and implementing policies that discourage online segregation and support a more inclusive internet experience for all users.

Related segregation forms

Online segregation is frequently discussed in the literature with the following segregation forms:

online ethnic segregation

Visualization based on the research

For the complete network of associated segregation forms, see:

First year of publication https://tinyurl.com/2235lkhw

Louvain clusters https://tinyurl.com/2d8wg5n3

Betweenness centrality https://tinyurl.com/223udk5r

Disciplines where segregation forms first appeared https://tinyurl.com/244d8unz

References

Notes

↑ Date and country of first publication as informed by the Scopus database (December 2023).

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