Dangers of social media and political violence, When you think of home, you imagine safety, peace, and comfort with your loved ones. But for me, that sense of security was shattered when my family and I were targeted by a credible bomb threat at our home in Detroit. The threat came just one day after the tragic murder of Charlie Kirk, during a period when political violence across America has become disturbingly common. What once felt unimaginable is now an everyday fear for many public servants and their families.
This deeply personal experience opened my eyes even further to a troubling truth: the dangers of social media and political violence are tightly connected. What we see online is not harmless chatter, it has the power to fuel real-world threats, deepen divides, and endanger lives.
The disturbing link between social media and political violence
Social media platforms have become the main stage for political conversations, but they are also breeding grounds for hate and misinformation. After Charlie Kirk’s murder, the internet erupted in finger-pointing and blame before the facts were known. Anonymous accounts, pundits, and politicians spread outrage across platforms, fanning flames that made the atmosphere even more dangerous.
This isn’t random. The very systems that power these platforms are designed to amplify anger. Algorithms are built to keep users scrolling, and nothing holds attention like outrage. That outrage, however, often comes in the form of toxic rhetoric, conspiracy theories, and extreme political attacks. This is where the dangers of social media and political violence begin to overlap.
Why algorithms thrive on outrage
Before becoming lieutenant governor of Michigan, I worked as a software engineer and later helped lead research into online extremism. What I saw was alarming: a single video on YouTube or Facebook could drag someone down a rabbit hole of extremist propaganda within minutes. Platforms don’t just passively allow this, they profit from it.
The dangers of social media and political violence grow because algorithms are wired to prioritize clicks, shares, and watch time. The more shocking or divisive the content, the more money platforms make from advertising revenue. In other words, the business model rewards the spread of anger. While tech billionaires grow richer, ordinary people grow more divided and, in many cases, less safe.
Real-world consequences of online hate
The problem is not just digital, it spills into our daily lives. Threats like the one against my family don’t come out of nowhere. They are the result of divisions sharpened by online hate.
In 2022, the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs released a report confirming that social media companies put profits over safety. Senator Gary Peters emphasized that the more “provocative” the content, the more it boosts corporate profits. This cycle of profit-driven outrage directly fuels the dangers of social media and political violence, making society more vulnerable to extremist actions.
Holding social media platforms accountable
Addressing this problem does not mean silencing free speech. Instead, it means holding companies accountable for the design of their systems. Today’s algorithms elevate dangerous content, and that has to change.
Here are steps we can take:
- Require transparency in how often extremist content is amplified.
- Conduct annual independent audits of harmful content, with results shared publicly.
- Create mechanisms for legal accountability when platforms amplify content that leads to real-world threats.
- Support victims of online-fueled violence with protections and resources.
These steps would not eliminate free expression but would ensure platforms take responsibility for the harm their systems enable.
Technology can build, or break, trust
As someone who helped build collaborative tools at Microsoft, I know how technology can unite and empower people. But I also know how the same ingenuity can be weaponized to spread hate. Platforms are not neutral; they reflect the biases of their creators and the incentives of their business models.
Right now, those models are feeding us polarization and division. The dangers of social media and political violence show us why it is urgent to rethink this design before more lives are at risk.
A call for unity and resilience
Despite the threats, I still believe in the resilience of our country. We have faced hate and division before, and we can do it again. To move forward, we must insist on a healthier public conversation, one rooted in facts, compassion, and respect rather than outrage.
Social media doesn’t have to remain a tool of division. With accountability and reform, it can become a space for constructive dialogue instead of a breeding ground for hate. But that will only happen if we collectively demand change.
The dangers of social media and political violence are not abstract. They are lived experiences for families like mine, and they are threatening the safety of communities everywhere. It is time to confront this reality and work together to build a safer, more united future.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational and awareness purposes only. It shares personal experiences and broader observations about the dangers of social media and political violence. It should not be taken as legal or professional advice. For safety or security concerns, always consult with the appropriate authorities or professionals.
