Ethical Concerns of Marginalized Communities Online

As our lives increasingly move online, issues that exist in the real world are also showing up in digital spaces. Many software products today face EthicalConcerns related to Censorship, misinformation, and discrimination. These problems can have serious impacts, especially on Marginalized communities. Evidence of these issues can be seen in platforms like Facebook and Instagram, which have been involved in censoring protests and spreading harmful misinformation in various contexts.

The spread of misinformation and hate speech online can lead to real-world violence. For instance, mass shootings in the US point to a link between online echo chambers and the dehumanization of women, LGBTQ+ individuals, migrants, and racial minorities. These communities often face attacks and harassment on platforms like Discord, Reddit, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

Most software developers who create these platforms come from a narrow demographic of white, middle or upper-class, cisgender, heterosexual, English-speaking men from the US. These groups often do not share the same experiences as marginalized users. Research shows that the political and social views of developers can shape their design choices. However, simply hiring developers from diverse backgrounds does not guarantee better outcomes. Even diverse teams frequently prioritize the concerns of shareholders over the needs of users.

To address these issues, it is crucial to focus on Feedback from marginalized users. Gathering input from these communities can highlight their views on ethical issues related to the software they use. Historically, most user feedback has come from middle-aged men, leaving many voices unheard. By prioritizing the concerns of marginalized users, researchers and developers can work towards better software that serves all users equitably.

This study collected feedback from various marginalized communities through Reddit, a platform known for its character limit and specific audience groups. By analyzing posts from several subreddits, the goal was to mark ethical concerns and identify trends in the data. The aim was to make this feedback accessible for developers, ensuring that the voices of marginalized individuals are considered in software design.

#Research Design

The main goal of this research was to gather detailed feedback from marginalized communities about their ethical concerns with software. It was essential not just to understand these concerns, but also to capture the context and details of users' experiences.

#Data Source

Reddit was chosen as the source for data collection due to its capacity for long-form posts and its community structure, which allows users to join specific groups focused on various topics. Unlike other platforms that limit character counts, Reddit allows for longer discussions, making it a valuable resource for understanding users' concerns.

Additionally, users on Reddit can remain anonymous, making them more comfortable sharing sensitive information. Many individuals, especially women and marginalized groups, may prefer to use disposable accounts to protect their identities while discussing their experiences.

#Research Questions

The study focused on three primary questions:

1. Is Reddit a good source of feedback regarding ethical issues from marginalized communities?
2. What types of ethical concerns do these communities express about software on Reddit?
3. Can we automate the process of identifying and classifying these ethical concerns in Reddit posts?

#Findings on Marginalized Communities

#The Source of Ethical Concerns

Through this research, it was determined that Reddit is indeed a valuable source of feedback on ethical issues from marginalized groups. Out of the posts collected, around 26% expressed concerns related to software, indicating a significant level of ethical concern present in the data.

Different marginalized communities exhibited varying levels of concern. For instance, women and those assigned female at birth (AFAB) reported ethical issues in over half of their platform-mentioning posts, while the physically disabled community had a much lower rate of 9%. The character length of the posts also indicated that users provided rich context and details about their ethical concerns, which is an advantage of using Reddit for data collection.

#Types of Ethical Concerns

The concerns raised by marginalized communities often center on issues of manipulation and oppression. Many users expressed feelings of being targeted by inappropriate content and scams, facing cyberbullying, and dealing with misinformation. The study highlighted how online platforms tend to prioritize sensational or misleading content, leading to potential harm for vulnerable users.

Women and AFAB individuals particularly face significant challenges on social platforms, including harassment and exposure to non-consensual pornography. These experiences can make online spaces feel unsafe, pushing marginalized users to seek more secure environments.

Furthermore, marginalized communities often find a lack of accurate and relevant information online. Many rely on the Internet for essential resources and information only to find content that does not cater to their needs. This gap in available information highlights a critical flaw in how online platforms function.

#Addressing Online Manipulations

Given the trends identified, it is crucial for software developers to reassess their designs to be more user-centered. Stricter regulations on advertising and scam prevention could help alleviate some of the burdens faced by marginalized users. Platforms should also aim to better represent diverse communities, ensuring that their concerns are heard and validated.

Understanding and addressing the ethical concerns raised by marginalized users is essential for creating equitable digital spaces. By implementing user feedback into the design process, developers can disrupt the cycle of misinformation and discrimination currently present in many online platforms.

#Ethical Concerns and Content Moderation

One common theme emerges across various posts: concerns about content moderation. Many users reported feeling unfairly targeted or censored, especially when discussing topics pertinent to their marginalized identities. The moderation of certain groups, particularly those discussing feminism or LGBTQ+ issues, raised questions about who holds the power to control the narrative within those communities.

The study suggests that an increase in representation among moderators may lead to more equitable treatment of community members. Creating a democratic process for choosing moderators could ensure that marginalized voices are better represented, reducing instances of misrepresentation and unfair censorship.

#Insights on Data Automation

The potential for automating the extraction and classification of ethical concerns was also evaluated. The models developed for this purpose showed promising results, with a high level of accuracy in detecting ethical concerns in posts from marginalized communities.

This automation could help streamline the process of gathering user feedback, making it easier for software developers to identify and address ongoing issues swiftly. However, it is important to note that, while automation can enhance data collection, it should be accompanied by an understanding of the specific needs and contexts of marginalized users.

#Challenges and Limitations

While the study presents significant findings, there are inherent limitations. The authors acknowledge that the demographics of the research team may influence the interpretation of certain issues. Furthermore, the focus on English-language posts may exclude important perspectives from non-English speaking users, particularly in global contexts.

The reliance on Reddit as a data source also raises concerns about population biases. Despite efforts to include a diverse range of subreddits, it is possible that the voices of some marginalized communities were overlooked in the process. Future research could explore feedback from more varied platforms and languages to ensure a more comprehensive understanding of marginalized users' concerns.

#Conclusion

In summary, the ethical concerns of marginalized communities regarding social media platforms are multifaceted and deeply rooted in issues of power, representation, and safety. This research highlights the importance of gathering user feedback to inform software development and create equitable digital spaces.

By centering the voices of marginalized users, software developers can work towards creating more inclusive and respectful online environments. The insights gained through this study provide a roadmap for future efforts aimed at addressing and resolving the ethical challenges faced by underserved communities in the digital realm. Moving forward, attention to user feedback is crucial in ensuring that software caters to all users equitably, ultimately allowing for a more just online landscape.