Disrupting the Harm of Echo Chambers: Promoting a Feminist Pedagogy of Social Change and “Calling-in”

Social media is integral to modern culture and social work, yet research on the impact of internet echo chambers is scarce. Since internet echo chambers contribute to polarization, normalize harmful ideas and violence, and adversely affect clients, this In-brief seeks to 1) raise awareness about their impact, and 2) initiate a conversation about their harm and how to address it. This In Brief examines the effects of echo chambers, particularly regarding violence against women as well as other minoritized and racialized groups. The In-Brief emphasizes the lack of research on this issue and offers recommendations for social work, including feminist strategies to prevent and stem echo chambers, such as calling in and focusing on systemic harm. It also advocates for integrating digital literacy into educational programs in social work. Resources that support understanding and disrupting echo chambers are included.