Cyber racism
Ask yourself
What is Cyber Racism?
Cyber racism is most commonly defined as racism, which occurs in the cyber world. Racism not only happens face-to-face it also happens in many other forms ranging from discriminatory treatment to violence motivated by race. Cyber racism is also another form.
In the cyber world racism can take the from of a website itself, its written comment, its images, blogs, videos and online comments. In addition, racist comments, images or language in text messages, on social networking sites or in emails are also examples of cyber racism. Online activities or published material that result in offensive comments in relation to a persons race, colour or national or ethnic origin, have the same effect as similar offline activities. Cyber racism may present as racial hatred or cyber bullying.
The nature of rapidly developing technologies means that areas that were once considered private spaces are now public. The increased use of Internet and the development of social networking sites and maps, for example, mean that comments classified as ‘racist’, typically between one person and another, can now be sent to thousands of people within seconds. This has more serious consequences for the target of the racist behaviour.
In addition, the increased use and accessibility of technology means that everyone can self-publish on the Internet. This has inevitably led to many websites that are factually incorrect. It has also led to the development of web content that is racially motivated. The increased use of websites such as facebook, twitter and youtube has also provided forums for racist material.
What does the research say?
There is currently little research on the extent and impact on cyber racism in Australia. However, current Australian research in the area of cyber bullying, the number of complaints of internet-based racism made nationally, and studies conducted overseas provide a strong indication of the nature and extent
What is Cyber Racism?
Cyber racism is most commonly defined as racism, which occurs in the cyber world. Racism not only happens face-to-face it also happens in many other forms ranging from discriminatory treatment to violence motivated by race. Cyber racism is also another form.
In the cyber world racism can take the from of a website itself, its written comment, its images, blogs, videos and online comments. In addition, racist comments, images or language in text messages, on social networking sites or in emails are also examples of cyber racism. Online activities or published material that result in offensive comments in relation to a persons race, colour or national or ethnic origin, have the same effect as similar offline activities. Cyber racism may present as racial hatred or cyber bullying.
The nature of rapidly developing technologies means that areas that were once considered private spaces are now public. The increased use of Internet and the development of social networking sites and maps, for example, mean that comments classified as ‘racist’, typically between one person and another, can now be sent to thousands of people within seconds. This has more serious consequences for the target of the racist behaviour.
In addition, the increased use and accessibility of technology means that everyone can self-publish on the Internet. This has inevitably led to many websites that are factually incorrect. It has also led to the development of web content that is racially motivated. The increased use of websites such as facebook, twitter and youtube has also provided forums for racist material.
What does the research say?
There is currently little research on the extent and impact on cyber racism in Australia. However, current Australian research in the area of cyber bullying, the number of complaints of internet-based racism made nationally, and studies conducted overseas provide a strong indication of the nature and extent