Harnessing Social Media for Advancing Racial Equity and Inclusivity in STEM

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Thursday 9:50 am Four Seasons Ballroom 1
  In Roundtable Session: Equity and Social Justice to Activate Student Agency (Table 8)

Abstract

In the digital age, social media has become a crucial platform for racial activism, particularly within STEM fields. This paper examines how platforms like Twitter and TikTok amplify underrepresented voices and advocate for diversity and inclusion (Shen, 2022). Campaigns such as #BlackInSTEM and #BlackinCancer highlight the achievements of minority groups, fostering community and support. However, challenges like algorithmic biases and content suppression complicate digital activism (Noble, 2013; Freelon et al., 2022). Employing intersectionality and social movement theory, this study explores the strategies of STEM organizations in leveraging social media to promote racial equity. We use Critical Discourse Analysis to examine how these organizations depict racial identities, enhancing understanding of digital activism's role in creating an inclusive STEM environment.

Authors

• Devin T. White, Johns Hopkins University

• Ebony O. McGee, Johns Hopkins University

• Shelly Engelman, Johns Hopkins University

• Joy Kika, Johns Hopkins University

• Kerim Bali, Johns Hopkins University