Social Media’s Role in Eroding Democracy and Normalizing Hate

The rise of social media has significantly impacted democratic discourse, often normalizing hate and driving away potential leaders. This shift is highlighted by the experiences of various politicians, including former Alberta cabinet minister Thomas Lukaszuk, who emphasizes the necessity of civility in political dialogue, even as online platforms become increasingly hostile.

Lukaszuk, who served as a member of the Alberta legislature from 2002 to 2015, adheres to a personal motto: “Tweet others as you wish to be tweeted.” Now the CEO of Canadian Halal Financial Corporation, he is actively promoting the Forever Canadian campaign, which aims to address Alberta’s contentious conversations regarding potential separation from Canada. Despite the rising tensions, Lukaszuk strives to maintain a respectful tone in his communications, rejecting abusive language and focusing on substantive issues.

The broader social media landscape, however, tells a different story. According to Alex MacIsaac, a senior research coordinator with the Samara Centre for Democracy, the current state of social media is deteriorating. This is due to changes in trust-and-safety measures and the limited self-regulation of major platforms. MacIsaac notes that many platforms have altered their community guidelines, often removing protections for users, which leads to an increase in abusive content and a decline in civil discourse.

The Samara Centre, a Canadian non-partisan organization dedicated to strengthening democracy, has developed tools like SAMbot to monitor online interactions during election campaigns. In recent studies, they found that a significant portion of tweets directed at political candidates are uncivil. For instance, during the 2021 federal election, 20 percent of tweets aimed at candidates were categorized as “insulting, hostile or rude.” The prevalence of abusive comments has only increased, with 37 percent of these tweets containing profanities or threats.

Power Dynamics in Online Discourse

Research indicates that a small number of users wield a disproportionate influence on social media conversations. For example, just 150 active commenters on the subreddit r/Canada accounted for 14 percent of all comments at a certain point during the election campaign. This concentration of influence can distort public opinion and undermine meaningful dialogue.

The 2023 Alberta provincial election further illustrated how a few vocal users can skew perceptions of public sentiment. Out of over 300,000 tracked tweets, only 12 percent originated from 50 accounts, suggesting that a small group can dominate the narrative. Despite only four percent of monitored tweets being abusive, this figure does not capture the full extent of online harm, as many forms of toxicity go unmeasured.

The challenge extends beyond mere statistics. Politicians such as Brooks Arcand-Paul, a member of the Alberta legislature representing Edmonton-West Henday, face significant online harassment due to their identities and political stances. Arcand-Paul, who identifies as gay and Indigenous, reported experiencing targeted abuse that can take a personal toll on mental health. He acknowledges the difficulties of navigating public life in a climate rife with hostility, particularly when combined with personal tragedies.

The Need for Change

The escalating abuse directed at public officials has raised alarms about the impact of social media on democracy itself. Former Premier Rachel Notley has publicly addressed the threats she faced during her tenure, with her office receiving numerous harassment communications. Such incidents highlight the urgent need for reforms to protect politicians and constituents alike from online vitriol.

Despite the challenges, some, like Janis Irwin, a current MLA and NDP member, remain committed to engaging with the public through social media. Irwin recognizes the potential for positivity within the digital space but also acknowledges the overwhelming nature of online abuse. She has adapted her approach by limiting her interactions on certain platforms while still striving to connect with constituents authentically.

The financial power of social media platforms is noteworthy, as companies like Meta and Alphabet Inc. report billions in revenue. In 2024, Meta’s revenue reached US$164.5 billion, with a significant portion derived from advertising. Despite their profitability, these platforms face increasing scrutiny over their role in spreading misinformation and promoting divisive rhetoric.

Calls for regulation are growing, with experts suggesting that legislative measures are necessary to mitigate the adverse effects of social media on public discourse. The proposed Online Harms Act aimed to hold platforms accountable for harmful content, though it faced challenges during its legislative journey. The need for a balanced approach that safeguards free speech while addressing online abuse remains a contentious issue.

The dual nature of social media, as both a tool for empowerment and a weapon for division, underscores the complexity of the current digital landscape. As society grapples with these challenges, the hope remains that effective strategies can be developed to foster a healthier online environment conducive to democratic engagement.

Ultimately, the voices of those like Lukaszuk, Irwin, and Arcand-Paul are crucial in navigating this evolving landscape, advocating for civility while acknowledging the harsh realities of digital communication. As they continue to engage with their constituents, the imperative to promote respect and understanding in political discourse has never been more pressing.