With recent social and political events, more and more social media users have been speaking out and advocating for their beliefs.

Although it is good that more people are becoming informed, it has also resulted in some negative aspects, especially hate comments towards anyone with a difference in opinion. 

Gen Z’s ability to speak out and protest has become extremely accessible, especially since most of the voices come from behind keyboards. Instagram, TikTok, and X have enabled young people to post, comment, and share videos and awareness on pressing issues. 

Most recently, videos and posts about ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) have caused tension between sides of the internet that either support or oppose. Instead of commenting genuine questions or challenging opinions, too often comments have attacked the creator personally. Comments such as “are you okay” and “so called Christian” are examples of the hate that has been trending on social media, but they are more often much worse. 

Strict algorithms that feed users what they want to see are partly to blame. Part of the addictiveness to social media arises from the algorithm bubbles that users are trapped in, where the only videos they see align with their beliefs. Although learning about beliefs and opinions is important, social media seldom has a complete truth or diversity aspect to it. 

I believe that it is important to not only get news from sources that do not revolve around social media but also to look at both sides of the argument so that we can be informed of the full argument. Social media has set up a mindset of absolute truth for users. Because of this, the ability to consider another person’s belief has been lost. 

A step in rectifying this would be to encourage social media platforms to put a warning on political or controversial posts that have not been fact-checked so that users would be encouraged to do their own research. I also believe that it is important to discuss in classrooms the First Amendment and how it should be used. Although most hate speech is protected by the First Amendment, hate speech that includes threats to safety and well-being are not protected. 

Most importantly, I think that Gen Z needs to reconsider how they treat other people. Fighting evil with hate will only result in more hate. Speaking truth in love would be so much more productive to anyone’s cause.