Too many people are moved to communicate online whats hurtful wherein race can be the most common denominator."
If people are impacted by racist abuse online, Dr. Pratt recommends mental health support.
These varied responses include ignoring such abuse, engaging abusers positively, or lashing out in return."
Verywell / Nez Riaz
Howard Pratt, DO
[Racism] is passed down, primarily from our families.
We get certain opinions about particular groups, and many times, there is no basis for this.
Racism is taught, and Dr. Pratt notes that it can come from insecurities.
“It is passed down, primarily from our families.
The first step is to share our stories and increase awareness among the general population.”
Landrum highlights, “We must be mindful that online discussions are public and words are impactful.
Adolescents are highly impressionable, as Landrum notes they are still molding their identities.
“There is a broad spectrum of how different people deal with online racism, according to Landrum.
“Personally, if someone has entered my safe space and is attempting harm, I respond.
If it unravels, I will block the individual.
“Online racism impacts the BIPOC community at the same level that all sources of racism impact them.
In fact, online racism might have increased risk factors because the offender is invisible,” she says.
“Be intentional online by spending your time in spaces that reflect your values,” she recommends.
These groups were formed so that non-white providers could discuss therapy through a cultural lens, according to Weaver.
There are longstanding traditions of communal healing in the BIPOC community, according to Weaver.
Some individuals utilize social media to promote racial hatred, according to Ragsdale.
“Parts of the online world bolster bigotry and prejudice.
Knowing that you are not alone is crucial.
Knowing that you are not alone is crucial,” he says.
Powell explains, “Online racism can have negative impacts on mental and emotional well-being.
Clinicians are woefully unprepared to diagnose and treat mental health conditions stemming from exposure to racism.”
Studies are just beginning to scratch the surface on understanding the impact of racism, according to Powell.
“Online racism can be just as potent as racism experienced directly, face-to-face.”
“It can increase risk foranxiety,depression, andpost-traumatic symptomsin BIPOC communities, especially among youth.
One of the indicators of online racism among BIPOC individuals is erratic behavior, according to Powell.
The first step is to acknowledge the hurt produced by racismindividually, interpersonally, and structurally.”
Often, BIPOC individuals can feel tremendous pressure to push through these experiences with racism, according to Powell.
“Pushing through these experiences often leads to cumulative emotional wear-and-tear and more serious mental health challenges.”
As an example, Powell recommends emotional emancipation circles, i.e.
Powell explains, “Mindfulnessandmeditationdelivered via digital health tools hold promise for addressing racism.
Some factors are shown to buffer individuals from the effects of racism on mental health, according to Powell.
“We should acknowledge that youth and adolescents will not hope and cope their way out of racism.
Published Dec 1, 2021.
