Social Media Can Be Good for Black and Latine Youth

Black and Latine youth can be the targets of racism and conspiracy theories online—they can also become activists and build community there. The difference depends on their digital literacy.

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Social media has undoubtedly become synonymous with youth culture. Children and teens of all ages are using the internet at an increasing rate, and despite the negative risks associated with using social media, digital and media literacy have never been more important. Pew Research from 2022 found that 95% of teens have access to a smartphone, up from 73% in 2014-2015. 45% of teens also say they are online more often, with most teens using YouTube regularly, followed by TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat. Pew Research’s findings further suggest that Black and Latine teenagers ages 13 to 17 spend far more time on most social media apps than their white peers. This makes establishing ways to enhance digital and media literacy among Black and Latine teens of great importance, especially considering the amount of information that may be banned, skipped over entirely, or no longer taught in their schools, particularly accurate information about their own cultural histories.According to a 2021 report, Latine youth are nearly twice as likely as white youth to have no or limited independent digital skills. For Black youth, that figure increases to three times as likely as white youth to have no or limited independent digital skills.But what do we mean by digital literacy? Research from 2017 defines digital literacies as understanding the “multiple and interactive practices” that are mediated by technological tools that involve reading, writing, language, and exchanging information in online environments.Courtney Mauldin, assistant professor in the Teaching and Leadership Department at the Syracuse University School of Education, explains that digital literacy can be defined in different ways. “When I teach aspiring principals about this topic, we often focus on digital citizenship—empowering students to use technology in safe and ethical ways that prevent harm to themselves and others. However, in recent years I'm finding that it's just as important to ensure that teens know how to navigate the digital world in critical and curious ways,” she says.Mauldin explains that this means they have to be able to locate information, evaluate its accuracy, and know how to manage and organize this information in ways that are useful for their own young adult lives. These skills are significant in knowing how to self-advocate, navigate professional and personal opportunities, as well as communicate and collaborate with others.“Black and Latinx teens are innovators and creators in their own right—their unique experiences might offer and shape new understandings in the digital space. As adults, we have to continue to make room for that while also teaching and modeling the digital literacy practices that will prepare young adults for the modern world,” she continues.For the CultureConsidering that educational and political systems and institutions whitewash the histories of Black people's existence, experiences, and contributions, Mauldin stresses that finding accurate and rigorous sources is important in doing this while also finding trustworthy influencers who connect you to appropriate sources for deeper learning.“I think that with Gen Z, I hold onto a lot of hope because they are more informed and aware of current events than my generation ever really was,” she says. “A lot of this comes down to access. We had the news and the introduction of computers, and Google but this is heavily dependent upon your school resources and economic background.”“The important histories tied to these current events is what I worry about youth being privy to the most when they may not have been taught about these topics. So, while social media might introduce names, historical events, and other important concepts there is a deeper dive needed that goes beyond social media, and this applies to any topic or area of inquiry,” she says.A further positive impact of social media is the ability for youth of color to express their brilliance, creativity, and their influence on the overall social culture. Four in ten Black teens say social media gives them a creative outlet compared to around a quarter of white and Latine teens, according to Pew Research.Digital spaces like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram give youth platforms not only to influence and take up necessary space in speaking up or calling out frequent "culture vulture" behaviors where many trends created by Black or Latine content creators are co-opted and then made popular by others without any acknowledgment for the originator of the trend."We've seen this co-opting happen before social media, but our current platforms are a new avenue in which this culture grabbing is taking place,” Mauldin explains. “In addition to having a space to call out these harmful practices, youth are also able to use social media to become more informed and civically engaged on the respective platforms that they use. Additionally, when youth of color are looking for spaces of belonging that may not exist in their physical schools or communities, they are able to find connection and support in these digital spaces.” "A study in the Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology found that Black adolescents are subjected to an average of five instances of racial discrimination per day in the U.S., a higher rate than any other racial minority. The Pew Research Center also found that Black teens are about twice as likely as Latine or white teens to say they think their race or ethnicity made them a target of online abuse."What Black Teens Are Facing
Representation and Finding (Digital) CommunityThe idea of connection online is one that resonates with Desmond Upton Patton, Brian and Randi Schwartz University Professor and Penn Integrates Knowledge (PIK) University Professor of Social Policy, Communications, and Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. He says that Black and Latine students can find and create supportive networks that affirm their identities and experiences. “They can access and share joyful content that celebrates their cultures, leading to the creation of thriving and healthy digital communities. Social media provides a space for self-expression and activism, allowing students to raise awareness about social issues and mobilize for change.”Patton explains that ethnic-racial identity development among Black and Latine adolescents can be informed by their online interactions, community, and engagement. One crucial factor he highlights is the representation of cultures and experiences on social media platforms.“When students see positive portrayals of people who look like them and share their backgrounds, it fosters a sense of pride and belonging. Peer interactions also play a significant role. Engaging with peers who share similar cultural backgrounds and experiences can reinforce their ethnic-racial identity,” he notes.Fifteen-year-old Temi Folivi says that as a Black teen, she has found that social media has big ups and downs. “I tend to use social media to keep up with the trending hairstyles, makeup, and the daily lives of Black influencers who have ended up successful due to their courage and passion they have for social media, despite the things that come in their way.”She goes on to say that she uses TikTok the most for education, entertainment, and research. “It provides several accounts that teach new skills, share knowledge, and raise awareness about various topics. I do quite a bit of research. I am currently on work experience with my mom at her publicity company and as part of this, I have started a business. Using social media platforms like TikTok has shown me what others can do and inspired me to start my own business.”
How to Build Digital Literacy Black and Latine students should approach social media with intentionality and curiosity. Professor Desmond Upton Patton has the following tips on building digital literacy to make the most of social media:Curate Your Feed: follow accounts that provide educational content, such as pages focused on history, science, and the arts. Engage with content that challenges and broadens your perspectives.Join Online Communities: participate in groups and forums that focus on topics relevant to your interests and studies. These spaces can offer support, resources, and opportunities for collaboration.Leverage Educational Tools: many social media platforms offer features that can aid in learning, such as live streams, webinars, and discussion threads. Use these tools to connect with educators, professionals, and experts in various fields.Engage Critically: practice critical thinking by analyzing the information you encounter online. Question sources, check for credibility, and compare different viewpoints to form well-rounded opinions.Share Your Knowledge: use social media as a platform to share what you've learned with others. Creating content, whether it's blog posts, videos, or infographics, can reinforce your own understanding and contribute to the learning of your peers.Network Strategically: connect with professionals and organizations in your field of interest. Social media can be a gateway to internships, scholarships, and career opportunities.Have Robust Conversations With Parents: engage in meaningful and sometimes complicated conversations with your parents about your online life. Establish healthy guidelines together for safe, joyful, and productive online interactions.Consult Healthcare Providers: speak with your pediatrician or primary care provider about your social media use, especially if you encounter content that triggers anxiety, depression, or behaviors that differ from your norm. They can offer guidance and support to help you navigate these experiences.
Targets of RacismThere has been ongoing dialogue and research about social media usage and its impact on youth self-esteem, youth conflict, and cyberbullying. For Black and Latine youth, social media presents a more complex landscape.“One of the most significant challenges is the pervasive exposure to racial discrimination and cyberbullying. The digital space often mirrors the structural inequalities and biases that exist in our society, leading to negative mental health outcomes,” stresses Patton.According to studies, Black adolescents are subjected to an average of five instances of racial discrimination per day in the U.S., a higher rate than any other racial minority. Research from 2022 has also found that Black teens are about twice as likely as Latine or white teens to say they think their race or ethnicity made them a target of online abuse. Twenty-one percent of Black teens report being made a target because of their race or ethnicity online, compared with 11% of Latine teens and 4% of white teens.“Additionally, my research highlights how online conflicts can escalate into real-world violence, disproportionately affecting Black and Latinx youth,” Patton continues. “There's also the risk of content misinterpretation due to racial bias, where actions and expressions by Black and Latinx students are unfairly scrutinized or criminalized.”By utilizing social media thoughtfully, Black and Latine students can enhance their digital literacy and access a wealth of informal and formal learning resources that support their academic and personal growth. For more Parents news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on Parents.

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Social Media Can Be Good for Black and Latine Youth—If They're Digitally Literate

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