Social media has the power to foster remarkably resilient communities that withstand even the harshest measures of platform bans. In a revealing study conducted by Michele Starnini and his team, two distinct online communities on the popular social media site Reddit were examined: “GreatAwakening,” a subreddit dedicated to far-right conspiracy theories, which faced a ban in 2018, and “FatPeopleHate,” a subreddit known for hate speech that was banned in 2015. Interestingly, both communities demonstrated remarkable adaptability and determination by collectively migrating to an alternative platform called Voat, specifically created to accommodate those who had been expelled from Reddit.
The phenomenon observed by Starnini and his colleagues highlights the resilience and tenacity of these digital communities, which managed to survive and flourish despite being cast out from their original online environment. The expulsion from Reddit served as a catalyst, propelling the members of “GreatAwakening” and “FatPeopleHate” to seek refuge elsewhere and ultimately find solace in the unmoderated realm of Voat.
By effectively sidestepping attempts to silence them, these communities stand as stark examples of the challenges and complexities surrounding moderating or dismantling online groups. The very act of banning can inadvertently galvanize and fortify these communities, prompting individuals to rally together and seek alternative avenues to express their beliefs and ideologies.
Voat, serving as a haven for the embattled subreddits, provided an unregulated space where users could enjoy unrestricted freedom of speech. Shielded from the constraints imposed by moderation, these communities were able to persist and thrive on Voat, further solidifying their collective identity and reinforcing their narratives.
This study sheds light on the intricate dynamics between online platforms and the communities they host. It underscores the fact that banning a community does not necessarily lead to its demise but rather forces it to evolve and find new platforms to sustain its existence. Such resilience poses a significant challenge for social media platforms seeking to curb the influence of harmful or extremist communities.
The migration of “GreatAwakening” and “FatPeopleHate” to Voat also raises important questions about the responsibility of online platforms and their role in regulating content. It serves as a reminder that while banning may temporarily displace such communities, it does not eradicate the underlying beliefs or grievances that gave rise to them.
In conclusion, Starnini’s study paints a vivid picture of the power and resilience inherent in online communities. By documenting the migration of banned subreddits to alternative platforms like Voat, it highlights the challenges faced by social media platforms in effectively moderating content and controlling the growth of extremist groups. As technology continues to evolve, these findings underscore the need for comprehensive strategies that address the complex interplay between digital communities, freedom of speech, and responsible platform governance.
