Social media: help and harm ^{CEFR A2}

Social media plays a growing role in how people find information and form communities. For many from marginalized groups, platforms offer access to support and connection, but they can also spread hate speech, lies, and real-world harm.

In January 2025 Mark Zuckerberg said Meta would end its third-party fact-checking program and use a “community notes” model like X. The company also said it would end some policies that protect LGBTQ+ users. The International Fact-Checking Network called the end of Meta’s nine-year fact-checking program "a step backward." The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, warned that allowing hate speech online has real world consequences.

Researchers point to design features that reward clicks and engagement. One study found the 15% most habitual Facebook users were responsible for 37% of the false headlines shared. A leaked 2019 Facebook report said product mechanics such as virality and recommendations help hate speech and misinformation to spread.