Introduction
There is nothing new in voicing concerns over the possible negative effects of social media. Indeed, there is nothing particularly original in stating that these drawbacks are categorical. What is less often mentioned, however, is how the normalization of misinformation and disinformation – two of the main ulcers afflicting social media – causes much more than extreme views and polarized politics. In some cases, its negative effects can be measured in blood.
My interest here is to reflect on the vicious and toxic interactions that currently dominate social media interactions around Amhara politics and its struggle. I have been actively observing these interactions on Facebook, TikTok, Twitter (X) and WhatsApp accounts via group meetings. Of particular concern is understanding why the civility of conversation –even online conversation– has reached such low standards of decency. These social platforms and online forums are rife with aggressive and abusive interactions, dominated by shocking political statements that flirt with murder and larger calls for mass killings. What should have been a positive social movement to defend Amhara interests in the face of state-sanctioned persecution from the current Ethiopian government seems to have degenerated into a cesspit of inner-accusiations, chauvinistic declarations and mob abuse against other Amharas who voiced ever so slightly differing views. This toxic online environment is not only hurtful for users, it is also affecting the Fano insurgency.
For example, some observers suggest that social media sites spur greater schadenfreude—the emotional experience of pleasure in response to another’s misfortune—perhaps as a result of the dehumanization that occurs when interacting through screens on computers and mobile devices. Some studies also suggest a strong tie between heavy social media use and increased depression, anxiety, loneliness and feelings of inadequacy. However, in the case of the Amhara politics, there is an intentional, organised and malicious agenda. Of course, some of the participants involved in the spread of misinformation and fake news may have some personal scores to settle, too.
Psychologists have observed that we lose some of our usual inhibitions when communicating online, especially when our identity is unknown. That can work well to open up debate, but it also removes the social barriers to saying hurtful things. I personally have a first-hand experience that lasted two weeks, a campaign against my character for reasons I still do not understand. It is my belief that the online disinhibition effect has caused immense damage not only to innocent and committed Fano supporters but also to the overall Fano struggle.
The toxic comments expressed in the social media largely fall into two categories: hate speech and online harassment (aka trolling). I personally experienced both categories, and that is one of the motivations I am encouraged to write this.
There is a vigorous debate over what constitutes hate speech, but the United Nations defines it as “any kind of communication that attacks or uses pejorative or discriminatory language with reference to a person or a group on the basis of who they are, in other words, based on their religion, ethnicity, nationality, race, colour, descent, gender or other identity factor”. The hate speech that we observe with regard to the Amhara struggle for freedom is now vigorously directed at Fano leaders. The intention is to create discord and divisiveness among them. I strongly believe that the Ethiopian government is partly behind this campaign of sowing animosity and distrust, which is then also distributed by less informed and reckless people with no critical thinking. To further compound this problem, the resulting toxic online environment means that intelligent supporters of the Amhara struggle are afraid of expressing their views in public or social media. The reason is that they could not stand the character assassination for expressing their views. One distinguished academic was participating in a Twitter feed/conversation and decided to share his views on the roots of ‘Amhara demonisation’. Continue reading ...
