Why this theme?
Previous themes in this toolkit have looked closely at how to effect change at a local community level (both online and offline). While this can yield very positive results, its efficacy is often reduced online because that community/group exists as part of and among many other online communities on each online platform (Facebook, Twitter, etc.). Therefore, thinking bigger and looking at ways to work with and influence online stakeholders (e.g. moderators, administrators, social media providers, games companies, etc.) is important for young people as it provides opportunity to:
- Understand how online stakeholders tackle hate speech on their services.
- Educate your community about the rules/standards that exist in their online environments.
- Challenge decisions and practices that you feel could be improved.
- Inform online stakeholders of the issues your community face - giving a voice to those who might not always be heard.
- Recognise the importance of persistence and patience in attempting to effect change at a larger level.
Prompt Questions
These questions are provided as examples to initiate and guide discussions around the topics in this theme.
- What are some of the rules/expectations on your favourite social network/game?
- How do you know these rules exist?
- Where would a new user find them?
- How are issues dealt with on your favourite social network/game?
- Do you think this is effective? Why/why not?
- If you wanted a social network/game to change something about their service, how would you persuade them?
- How would you convince others to also speak up about a wanted change?