Understanding the extent of internet usage in India helps contextualise the impact of digital caste dynamics. As of March 2023, India had 881.25 million internet subscribers, making it the second-largest online market globally (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, 2023). Despite this vast number, internet penetration remains just under 50%, below the global average. Projections indicate India's internet users will grow to over 1.6 billion by 2050 (International Data Corporation, 2023). Rural areas account for 442 million users, with Andhra Pradesh leading with 53.80 million users (Internet and Mobile Association of India, 2023). Social media usage in India is significant, with 33.4% penetration and platforms like Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and YouTube being highly popular (Digital 2023: India report by We Are Social and Hootsuite). Despite its size, India's social media market is growing, driven by increasing internet access and 5G adoption. The average Indian spends 7 hours and 19 minutes online daily, with 2 hours and 36 minutes dedicated to social media (Digital 2023: India report by We Are Social and Hootsuite). The ease of anonymity and the rapid spread of misinformation further complicate the dynamics of online discourse, creating fertile ground for the propagation of caste-based prejudices and discrimination.
Given this context, the persistence of caste-based hate speech on social media platforms is a pressing concern. Research reveals disparities in categorisation and identification mechanisms on Facebook and Twitter despite their public commitments to combat hate speech. Facebook includes caste within its protected characteristics in hate speech policies, but inconsistencies in reporting mechanisms raise concerns about efficacy. Internal disclosures unveil a low takedown rate, questioning the platform's effectiveness in curbing hate speech. Twitter faces similar challenges due to limitations in reporting options (Manish Kumar, 2023).
A US research study reveals that approximately 40% of casteist posts on Facebook in India target Dalits and Adivasis. Specific instances of derogatory remarks and hateful content directed at prominent Dalit figures such as Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and Mayawati are highlighted. The study identifies posts demeaning affirmative action policies and perpetuating stereotypes against Dalit individuals, along with instances of doxxing and threats towards activists and journalists (National Herald, 2019).
Through digital ethnography, we have found that there are many types of caste hate speech on social media, including direct caste abuse and indirect caste abuse. A significant portion of casteist posts on Facebook are directed towards Dalits and Adivasis, perpetuating derogatory stereotypes and insults against them, including attacks on their leaders. Instances where posts oppose affirmative action policies with derogatory references to caste-based occupations.The widespread occurrence of doxxing on Facebook, mainly targeting activists and journalists advocating for marginalised communities. Despite reports, many hate speech posts remain on the platform, reflecting a failure in content moderation. Manipulative images and memes aimed at trivialising and demeaning Dalit individuals, particularly women.
Why has it persisted since the entire digital space has monetised where likes and views matter, digital toxicity such as religious caste gender hate, and consensual and non-consensual explicit imagery is profitable; therefore, social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube flooded with this content. Since it is profitable for everyone, social media platforms and individuals sharing this content ignore the societal norm, and no one is bothered about where society will move and what the implications will be. Politicians often neglect caste-based hate online due to a mix of political expediency and the challenge of regulating vast digital spaces. Addressing these issues might alienate certain voter bases or require significant policy changes, complicating their agendas. Additionally, the sheer scale of content on social media makes enforcement difficult. In some cases, there may be a lack of urgency or awareness about the long-term impacts of caste-based hate.
Conclusion: The persistence of caste dynamics in the digital age underscores the need for urgent attention from both platforms and policymakers to address systemic issues and ensure the safety and dignity of all users, particularly those vulnerable to caste-based discrimination. Social media companies can play a crucial role in combating online casteist hate speech by investing in regional understanding, engaging collaboratively with activists, and providing robust policy implementation. The review advocates urgent action to address caste-based discrimination and emphasises the importance of community-driven approaches to content moderation for fostering safer and more inclusive online environments.
About the author: Dr. Azizur Rahman Azami is an Senior Assistant Professor of Sociology in the department of West Asian Studies at Aligarh Muslim University. With over eight years of experience in teaching and research, he instructs a course titled "Introduction to Digital Society" for international studies students. Over the past year, he has delved into the evolving relationship between technology and social change. Additionally, he presented a paper on online communication in the virtual world at the All India Sociological Society in 2009. His expertise lies in the intersection of social media and societal dynamics, drawing from his background in sociology and comprehensive comprehension of technology's influence on human behaviour. Dr. Azizur brings a multidisciplinary approach to studying digital toxicity in India.
References:
- (Source: Manish Kumar, 2023) "Caste-based hate speech moderation on Facebook (Meta) and Twitter (X)"
- National Herald. (2019, June 24). "40% of India’s casteist Facebook posts are anti-reservation, anti-Dalit reveals a US research"
- Kain, D., Narayan, S., Sarkar, T., & Grover, G. (2021). "Online caste-hate speech: Pervasive discrimination and humiliation on social media".
- Telecom Regulatory Authority of India. (2023). [Telecom Report].
- International Data Corporation. (2023). [IDC Report].
- Internet and Mobile Association of India. (2023). [IAMAI Report].
- We Are Social and Hootsuite. (2023). Digital 2023: [India report].
- Statista. (2023). [Statista Report].