Moral Identity and Race Relations Online: Learning From the Social Media Experiences of College Students

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 66
  In Roundtable Session: Learning and Development in Raced and Classed Contexts

Abstract

This qualitative study explored how social justice-oriented college students of different races perceive their experiences on social media, how they talk about their engagement with race-related issues online, and how this engagement is related to their moral identity. Preliminary findings suggest that these students rely heavily on their moral identities to guide their interactions with social media users of other races. This study is meant to provide educators with tools to guide college students in combating racism online, to facilitate positive moral identity development, and to promote racial literacy. Additionally, the findings may be useful in helping administrators better understand the racial climate within their university community and how to address racial issues on campus.

Author

• Vandna Gill Bindra, North Carolina State University