The Reproduction of Existing Inequalities in Social Networks.

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1 The Reproduction of Existing Inequalities in Social Networks: Focusing on Women, Lower Socioeconomic Classes, and Minorities Name Institution Course Professor Date

2 The Reproduction of Existing Inequalities in Social Networks: Focusing on Women, Lower Socioeconomic Classes, and Minorities Mahalingham Tamsin, et al. (140) claim that in a world dominated by social media, with an estimated 4.2 billion active users worldwide by 2023, these platforms have a profound impact that goes well beyond simple social interaction. This statistic demonstrates the significance of social networks in influencing and mirroring societal dynamics. But under the surface of connectivity and engagement, there is a complicated web of social processes at work that frequently keeps disparities between various demographic groups alive. This essay explores the complex ways that social networks both cause and maintain inequality, focusing on the experiences of minorities, women, and people from lower socioeconomic groups. It also looks at how the Internet has changed these dynamics, highlighting the two-edged nature of the digital world and the need to address these problems in order to create a more diverse and equal online community. Impact on Women Social networks, which are supposed to promote connectivity, often serve as platforms that inadvertently exacerbate gender inequality that already exists. Stereotypes and prejudices flourish in these digital environments, considerably influencing how women are viewed and treated. Al-Ali's Nadje (335) study sheds light on situations in which women experience disproportionately high levels of sexism and harassment on social media platforms, which are mirror images of broader cultural norms. Social media frequently reinforces negative dynamics by exacerbating gender inequality rather than just reflecting offline realities. Women may find their agency restricted and old gender norms supported by the need to live up to the idealized standards that are portrayed on these platforms. Gender bias reproduction turns the digital sphere

3 into a battlefield where it not only mirrors but also amplifies offline disparities. Given the growing influence of social networks on societal narratives, it is critical to recognize and address these concerns in order to create a digital environment that actively promotes gender equality as opposed to unintentionally enhancing and magnifying current discrepancies. Influence on Lower Social Economic Network The digital sphere is deeply intertwined with society's socioeconomic fabric, and social networks become critical components in the maintenance or correction of economic inequality. One's socioeconomic level often determines one's access to opportunities, resources, and robust networks in this interconnected world. According to Dargin Jennifer et al. (54), there are substantial obstacles for those with lower incomes to enter online spaces, highlighting the profound ramifications of the digital divide. Their limited access to digital resources, which stems from economic inequality, limits their capacity to fully utilize social media platforms for either personal or professional development. As a result, the digital environment mirrors real economic disparities, with the wealthy having better access to possibilities and more connectivity, while people from lower socioeconomic backgrounds have difficulty participating. As social networks function as more platforms for information sharing and economic mobility, closing the digital divide is critical to building a more diverse digital society in which people from all socioeconomic backgrounds can participate fully and take advantage of online opportunities. Position of minorities in Networks Minorities face difficulties in social networks that are reflective of larger structural injustices. Implicit prejudices and prejudices are amplified in these digital environments, making it more difficult for minority groups to be included and actively participate. The differences in

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4 algorithmic treatment are clarified by Zhang Shaozhe and Xiang's Wei (8) research, which also shows how digital discrimination reinforces and amplifies societal biases, further excluding minority perspectives. With social networks becoming increasingly powerful venues for forming narratives and influencing public conversation, the persistence of prejudices in these digital spaces is a concerning mirror of larger societal injustices. Recognizing and fixing algorithmic biases is essential to addressing the problems minorities encounter on social networks. It entails actively striving to eradicate these biases in addition to admitting that they exist (Zhang Shaozhe & Xiang's Wei, 8). The only way to create a digital world that is equal and inclusive is to create an environment where minority opinions are not only acknowledged but also given an active voice. In order to remove the obstacles preventing minority groups from participating fully in social networks, initiatives that support diversity, equity, and inclusion must be included in their design and governance. We may actively work to create a digital environment that reflects the diversity and depth of human experiences, promoting a more just and equitable society by actively opposing and correcting discriminatory acts. Impact of the Internet on Women, Lower Socioeconomic Classes, and Minorities in Networks Within social networks, women, people from lower socioeconomic groups, and minorities have all been impacted differently by the introduction of the Internet. The Internet has the potential to democratize knowledge and give voice to underrepresented groups, but it also brings with it new difficulties and exacerbates already-existing inequalities. The Internet provides networking, education, and online action as a means of empowering women ( Kim et al., 2022 ). They run a higher chance of experiencing cyberbullying and online harassment as a result, though. The anonymity offered by the digital sphere can make gender-based discrimination more

5 prevalent, which prevents the Internet from reaching its full potential for promoting gender equality. A critical problem that exacerbates already-existing economic inequities is the digital gap, which primarily affects lower socioeconomic levels. In a time when internet-based resources are essential for finding a job, getting an education, and accessing information, those with restricted access to technology and dependable internet face significant challenges ( Kim et al., 2022 ). Wide-ranging effects of the digital divide include reduced ability to engage in the digital environment fully and sustained social and economic inequalities. Internet access is now a need rather than a luxury, particularly in light of the growing reliance on digital resources for career and educational progress. With job searching, skill building, and online learning possibilities readily available, the internet is a vital tool for career advancement. But for people in lower socioeconomic groups, not having access to technology and dependable internet becomes a significant barrier that makes it harder for them to compete fairly in the labor market. Additionally, schooling is becoming more and more entwined with digital platforms, which is a significant factor in social mobility. Students for assignments, research, and communication with teachers, frequently require online resources. Lack of these resources disadvantages students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds by restricting their access to education and extending poverty cycles ( Kim Jinsook et al., 18 ). Thus, having access to information is essential for making defensible choices regarding medical treatment, public services, and financial affairs. People lack access to vital information when they don't have dependable internet service, which might make it harder for them to make wise decisions and even prolong financial suffering.

6 The Internet is a crucial tool for minorities since it allows them to interact with one another and magnify their voices while also boosting community building, advocacy, and cultural expression. Digital discrimination can result from discriminatory practices and computational biases, which are the dark side of digital engagement. These structural problems restrict opportunities for representation and maintain current disparities. Stereotypes may be strengthened by biased algorithms, which may affect internet visibility, job opportunities, and service accessibility ( Kim Jinsook et al., 20 ). Fighting algorithmic inequities while also focusing on using the internet to empower people is necessary to address these issues. It is imperative to establish a digital environment that not only values diversity but also addresses structural prejudices in order to guarantee equitable opportunities and impartial portrayal for all. Conclusion Conclusively, social networks are pervasive in modern society and have a significant impact on the continuation of inequality. Minorities, women, and those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds struggle to navigate digital environments that often reflect and often worsen their offline struggles. Despite its promise of a more interconnected world, the Internet adds new layers to existing disparities, making a sophisticated grasp of the complex interactions between technology and human society necessary. We must scrutinize and tackle the ways in which social networks perpetuate current disparities as we traverse this digital terrain. People can use the Internet's revolutionary power to close gaps, provide a voice to underrepresented groups, and eventually create a digital space that truly reflects the diversity and vibrancy of the world community by promoting a more equal and inclusive online community.

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7 References Al-Ali, N. (2020). Covid-19 and feminism in the Global South: Challenges, initiatives and dilemmas. European Journal of Women's Studies , 27 (4), 333-347. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1350506820943617 Dargin, J. S., Fan, C., & Mostafavi, A. (2021). Vulnerable populations and social media use in disasters: Uncovering the digital divide in three major US hurricanes. International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction , 54 , 102043. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2212420921000091 Kim, J., Gray, J. A., Ciesla, J. R., & Yao, P. (2022). The impact of an Internet use promotion program on communication, internet use, and the extent of social networks among low- income older adults. Ageing International , 1-24. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12126-021-09422-0 Mahalingham, T., McEvoy, P. M., & Clarke, P. J. (2023). Assessing the validity of self-report social media use: Evidence of No relationship with objective smartphone use. Computers in Human Behavior , 140 , 107567. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0747563222003879 Zhang, S., & Xiang, W. (2019). Income gradient in health-related quality of life—The role of social networking time. International journal for equity in health , 18 (1), 1-10. https://equityhealthj.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12939-019-0942-1

The Reproduction of Existing Inequalities in Social Networks.

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