Online racism is significantly impacting mental health, First Nations people say: ‘It’s like carrying a bully in your pocket’
Summary
Many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia are experiencing more online racism, which is harming their mental health. A federal inquiry received hundreds of reports about racist posts on social media, and the Australian Human Rights Commission has asked the government to make social media companies prevent harmful and racist content.Key Facts
- A video making fun of Aboriginal identity by a white woman claiming to be Aboriginal has gone viral and caused upset.
- Online racism against First Nations people is increasing and spreading through social media algorithms that promote divisive content.
- Over 420 submissions were made to a federal inquiry on racism, hate, and violence against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
- The Australian Human Rights Commission recommends a "digital duty of care" for social media companies to reduce racist content.
- Groups like Helping Our Mob Everywhere report a rise in offensive and harmful posts targeting Indigenous people and elders.
- Social media content creators like Sam Bennell say their posts about Aboriginal culture are often targeted by racist comments.
- The woman who posted the viral video calls it "satire" and compares it to other comedy that mocks groups, but many see it as harmful and racist.
- Social media platforms like Facebook are criticized for not doing enough to remove harmful racist content.
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