Accountable

The Negativity of Social Media

The book Accountable, by Dashka Slater, revolves around a racist Instagram account that was created by a group of biracial highschool students in 2017, this account affected many students especially those who were posted on it. This incident took place in a small town located in the Bay Area called Albany about seven years ago, and continues to be a topic of discussion even today, this event has left a mark on the community. The book argues that social media platforms, while offering opportunities for connection and expression, also have the power to encourage harmful behaviors.

In Accountable social media played a huge role in exposing the incident at Albany High School. The book describes how the racist Instagram account quickly gained attention amongst students. "The posts spread like wildfire, and soon everyone at Albany High knew about the account." (Slater) The rapid spread of information through social media not only revealed the issue but also forced the school administration and the community to address them. Another quote highlights the impact, "Social media turned what might have been a hidden, private act of racism into a public scandal that demanded accountability." (Slater) This exposure was necessary in initiating and understanding the importance of accountability. By making private accounts public, it forces the audiences to confront and address issues. The exposure through social media was crucial in revealing the incident, pursuing both the school administration and the community to confront the following issues. This incident emphasizes the significant role social media plays in strongly encouraging accountability and the necessity for responsibility.

This book mentions the role of social media in the distribution of hate speech. It illustrates how online actions can spread into real-life consequences, meaning that social media platforms can bear responsibility. By providing a space for harmful content to increase, they indirectly contribute to the spread of negativity. The incident at Albany High School shows how unchecked online behavior can lead to significant harm, emphasizing the need for stricter regulations by social media companies to prevent the distribution of harmful content. The book highlights how a seemingly harmless activity, like creating and sharing memes, can have serious consequences. “Charles scrolled through pictures on his phone - memes he’d made, photos he’d collected that might be used for future memes. His model was the stuff he saw online on Youtube and subreddits.” This quote highlights the influence of online content on youth behavior and the urgent need for digital literacy and accountability in today's world.

Accountable illustrates the nature of social media at Albany High School. Social media played a significant role in spreading hate and fueling conflicts. The dispersing of harmful messages and images demonstrated the negative side of these platforms, highlighting how easily misinformation can multiply and spread. It also served as a powerful tool for exposing the incident and bringing it to the public. It provided a platform for victims and witnesses to share their experiences, rallying support and prompting a broader discussion about accountability and justice. This exposure was crucial in ensuring that the incident was not ignored and that those responsible were held accountable.