Story perspectives

Experts Urge Action on Social Media's Role in Community Violence

3/18/2026

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Summary

Story summary

A symposium highlighted how social media influences violence in underserved Black and Latino communities, with Thomas Abt, an expert, noting online disputes can escalate.
Experts say little research exists and urge structured conversations among law enforcement and social media companies to develop strategies.
Participants call for greater transparency about platforms' algorithms and content monitoring.
They also recommend community-led digital expertise and ethical early warning systems to prevent violence.

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Story summary

A symposium highlighted how social media influences violence in underserved Black and Latino communities, with Thomas Abt, an expert, noting online disputes can escalate.
Experts say little research exists and urge structured conversations among law enforcement and social media companies to develop strategies.
Participants call for greater transparency about platforms' algorithms and content monitoring.
They also recommend community-led digital expertise and ethical early warning systems to prevent violence.