OFFSTONE JUNE EDITION 2024

51 Challenges of Normalizing the Unconventional Social media platforms are powerful tools for increasing the visibility of new cultural practices and viewpoints. Unlike traditional media channels, social media facilitates the rapid and widespread dissemination of information, allowing unconventional cultural trends to reach large audiences quickly and easily. This phenomenon is exemplified by the echo chamber effect, a result of algorithmic curation designed into most social media platforms. When users are consistently exposed to specific cultural norms and trends, what was once unfamiliar becomes familiar. Normalizing emerging cultural norms through social media presents both benefits and challenges. One challenge is oversimplification, where complex cultural narratives may be reduced to simplistic messages due to social media’s fast-paced environment and the demand for concise, visually appealing content. This oversimplification can undermine nuanced understanding and obscure the complexity of cultural evolution. For instance, the widespread adoption of 'mindfulness' and 'self-care' practices on social media is often presented in a simplified manner, disconnected from their deeper cultural and spiritual origins. Another challenge is the marginalization of minority voices. Social media can unintentionally marginalize underrepresented or minority cultural groups even while amplifying unconventional voices. This marginalization occurs when certain cultural expressions are prioritized and legitimized over others due to influencer-driven dynamics and algorithms. For example, marginalized communities with limited access to technology may face unequal representation and opportunities for their voices to be heard on social media platforms. Finally, stereotype perpetuation is a risk when social media normalizes cultural norms. Oversimplified or context-free portrayals can reinforce stereotypes, making it harder to appreciate and understand diverse cultural traditions. For example, the prevalence of ‘hijab fashion’ trends on social media platforms like Instagram has sometimes led to the reinforcement of stereotypes about Muslim women, reducing a complex religious and cultural practice to a mere fashion statement. From an Islamic standpoint, a concern about the normalization of cultural norms is the lack of nuanced representation and understanding of Islamic practices and beliefs on social media. The rapid spread of false information and conspiracy theories about Islamic teachings, history, and current affairs on social media platforms is particularly worrisome. To address these issues, there must be a concerted effort to promote digital literacy, fact-checking, and the amplification of reliable and authoritative Islamic voices and resources.