Why Social Media Is Being Blamed for Fueling Riots in France

On June 30, 2024, in the Paris suburb of Nanterre, police gave a fatal shooting to a 17-year-old driver. This incident caused a widespread riot in France. This time, the president of France blames TikTok, Snapchat, and other platforms for helping fuel widespread riots over this incident.

As the nation works to quell protests that exposed long-simmering tensions between police and young people in the country, French President Emmanuel Macron accused social media of playing a "considerable role" in inspiring copycat acts of violence.

In this blog, we'll focus on what people want to know about this incident.

What are social media responses?

As the nation works to quell protests that exposed long-simmering tensions between police and young people in the country, French President Emmanuel Macron accused social media of playing a "considerable role" in inspiring copycat acts of violence.

“Violence has devastating consequences and we have zero tolerance for content that promotes or incites hatred or violent behavior on any part of Snapchat,” Racusen said. “We proactively moderate this type of content and when we find it, we remove it and take appropriate action. We do allow content that is factually reporting on the situation.”

But a lot of the others are remaining silent. On Friday, neither TikTok nor Meta—which owns Facebook and Instagram—promptly responded to requests for comment. As it has been doing for months under Elon Musk's leadership, Twitter merely responded with an automatic response that included a feces emoji.

Why social media is blamed for fueling riots?

1. They can be used to spread misinformation and propaganda

This can be done by creating fake news articles, doctoring images or videos, or spreading rumors. This can incite violence or unrest by making people believe that there is a threat or injustice that needs to be addressed.

2. They can be used to organize and coordinate protests

This can be done by creating groups or events, or by sharing information about protests and demonstrations. This can make it easier for people to come together and take action, but it can also make it easier for riots to break out.

3. They can be used to amplify voices that are calling for violence

This can be done by sharing posts that promote violence, or by giving a platform to people who are advocating for violence. This can make it seem like violence is more accepted or justified, which can lead to more people taking action.

What are the consequences of a riot?

1. Damage to Property and the Economy

It is not difficult to assume that rioting hurts economic activity and property values. There are clear financial implications when people break windows, steal stuff, or set buildings and property on fire. Additionally, when individuals are rioting, they are unable to work, and even those who are not involved in the disturbances are negatively impacted because they are unable to go to work, shop, or do other daily activities.

2. Impact on Tourism

Tourism, a crucial business and a major source of revenue for many riot-prone regions, is also significantly impacted by rioting. Sane tourists avoid regions where there has recently been conflict since they don't want to arrive during a disturbance. While Thailand has experienced a significant decline in tourism since its political unrest became violent this spring, China claimed that disruptions in Xinjiang in 2009 caused about 85,000 people to postpone vacations to the region.

3. Damage to people's mental health

Stress: Riots can cause a great deal of stress, both for those who are directly involved and those who are simply witnessing them. This stress can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems.

Fear: Riots can also cause fear, both for personal safety and for the safety of loved ones. This fear can be debilitating and can make it difficult to function normally.

Guilt: Some people who witness riots may feel guilty if they did not do more to help. This guilt can also be a source of stress and anxiety.

How can I avoid danger during riots?

1. Stay home

The majority of experts concur that staying at home during a civil unrest situation is the safest option. Staying at home keeps you away from the mayhem and gives you the chance to defend your territory, if necessary. If you are out, do not wait to return home before you have determined what is happening.

Emergencies like civil unrest, terrible weather, or any other type of mass disaster may and should be planned for. Staying at home will keep you safer from harm and enable you to use your resources more wisely.

2. Stay informed

Remain informed. Our ability to stay connected and have constant access to the news is one advantage of the digital age. Make it a point to learn about or hear about what is going on locally, nationally, and internationally. You have more time to guarantee the safety of you and your family if you keep up with current affairs and any scenarios that could result in civil upheaval.

Many news agencies offer smartphone applications that will notify you if major news breaks nearby.

You might not have access to the internet or your cell phone if the disturbance continues. If you lose power, think about getting a battery- or hand-crank-powered radio to keep yourself updated.

3. Secure your home

Secure your house and place of business if rioting is likely. Riots frequently result in looting, and looters may plunder and damage your property. Lock all of your doors, and board up all of your windows. Small possessions should be moved to a safer location as soon as you can because determined rioters will enter almost anywhere.

Conclusion

There is no easy answer to the question of whether social media is to blame for fueling riots. However, social media can be a powerful tool that can be used to spread misinformation, organize protests, and amplify voices that are calling for violence. This is why it is important for social media platforms to take steps to mitigate the risks of their platforms being used to fuel violence and unrest.