New research from the University of Bath School of Management has uncovered a troubling reality: social media, often hailed as a great equalizer, is instead amplifying caste-based discrimination against Dalits in India. The study reveals how platform algorithms, inadequate moderation, and pervasive online harassment create digital barriers that mirror and magnify offline oppression faced by this marginalized community comprising over 200 million people.
Dalits, historically known as 'untouchables' under India's ancient caste system, continue to battle systemic exclusion despite constitutional protections and affirmative action programs like reservations in education and jobs. While social media promised a space for voice and visibility, it has instead become a battleground where dominant caste users dominate narratives, troll dissenters, and erase Dalit histories.
🔬 Key Insights from the University of Bath Study
The groundbreaking paper, titled “You Belong to Gutters, Not Facebook or Twitter: Recovering Dalit Histories from the Shadows of Social Media,” led by Dr. Pardeep Attri alongside Professors Sarah Glozer and Vivek Soundararajan, and Dr. Ramya Sakthivel, dissects how digital platforms perpetuate inequality. Through analysis of algorithms, user policies, and lived experiences, the researchers identify three core mechanisms of exclusion: being unseen, unheard, and unspoken.
Dr. Attri notes, “Progress is painfully slow and discrimination and violence against Dalits remain widespread... It was hoped that social media might accelerate that progress – in fact, it has exacerbated the problems.” The study highlights biased curation where Dalit content is deprioritized, faulty reporting systems that fail to address complaints, and relentless trolling forcing self-censorship.
For those pursuing academic careers amid such challenges, resources like higher ed career advice can offer guidance on navigating inclusive environments.
📜 Historical Context: Dalits and the Caste System
India's caste system, rooted in Hindu scriptures over 3,000 years old, divides society into hierarchical groups with Dalits—Scheduled Castes—at the bottom, traditionally relegated to 'unclean' occupations like sanitation and leatherwork. The Indian Constitution, drafted by Dalit icon Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, abolished untouchability in 1950 and introduced reservations, enabling Dalit access to higher education and public sector jobs.
Yet, atrocities persist: National Crime Records Bureau data shows over 50,000 crimes against Scheduled Castes annually. Social media enters this fray, where a growing Dalit middle class seeks representation but encounters amplified hostility. Economic hurdles, like affording smartphones, further sideline them, creating a digital divide.
- Over 200 million Dalits in a 1.4 billion population
- Reservations boosted enrollment in universities, but dropout rates remain high
- Online platforms promised empowerment but deliver erasure
⚙️ Algorithmic Bias: Making Dalits Invisible
Social media algorithms prioritize engaging content, often favoring dominant caste voices. Dalit posts on history or achievements are buried, while casteist memes and slurs trend unchecked. The Bath study documents how platforms like Facebook and Twitter (now X) curate feeds that reinforce stereotypes, rendering Dalit contributions 'unseen.'
Hijacked hashtags exemplify this: #AmbedkarJayanti, commemorating the architect of India's Constitution, gets flooded with Hindutva propaganda, drowning Dalit perspectives. Participant Suman shared, “[Dominant caste members] quickly take over discussions and shift the narrative, leaving us invisible.”
In academia, similar biases affect Dalit scholars' online profiles, impacting visibility for university jobs.
🛡️ Failed Moderation: Dalits Remain Unheard
Platform policies rarely recognize caste as a protected category, unlike race or gender. Reporting tools dismiss complaints as 'spam' or fail to act on coded abuse. Before India's 2020 TikTok ban, 36,365 hate videos were removed, but countless more persisted.
Studies like Equality Labs' report 13% of Indian Facebook hate posts target Dalits. Trolls use 'Hinglish' slurs—Bhimte (mocking Ambedkarites), Bhangi (sweeper caste insult), hijde (eunuch slur)—evading AI detectors. Dalit women face intersectional attacks, sexualized and casteist.
Researchers urge caste-aware human moderators: “There is an urgent need... for moderators who understand the Dalit community,” says Dr. Attri.
😶 Self-Censorship: Forced into Silence
Constant harassment leads Dalits to delete posts, use pseudonyms, or quit platforms altogether. The study terms this 'being unspoken,' where fear of doxxing or offline violence silences voices. Economic discrimination compounds this—many can't afford data or devices.
Dalits resist via #DalitLivesMatter, alternative archives like Velivada.com, and supportive WhatsApp groups. However, these silos risk further isolation.
- Coded slurs bypass filters
- Sexualized abuse targets women
- Self-censorship preserves safety but erases history
Explore Rate My Professor for insights into inclusive campus cultures.
🏫 Social Media's Role in University Caste Discrimination
Higher education, a reservation success story, sees casteism spill online. UGC data reveals a 118% rise in complaints: from 173 (2019-20) to 378 (2023-24), totaling 1,160 cases. Platforms amplify campus bullying, with slurs shared in student WhatsApp groups or Instagram reels.
Iconic cases: Rohith Vemula's 2016 suicide at Hyderabad Central University after casteist exclusion and hostel bans; Darshan Solanki at IIT Bombay (2023). Between 2014-21, 122 suicides in elite institutions, many Dalit students citing discrimination. Social media fueled outrage and cover-ups.
Recent UGC equity rules mandated anti-discrimination cells but faced Supreme Court stay amid 'reverse discrimination' claims.
📊 Shocking Statistics on Dalit Plight Online and in Education
Key data underscores the crisis:
- 118% UGC complaint surge (2019-24)
- 50,000+ annual SC atrocities (NCRB)
- High Dalit student dropout/suicide rates in IITs/IIMs
- 13% Facebook hate targets Dalits (Equality Labs)
Recent X trends show sporadic outrage, like posts on Bath study garnering thousands of views.University of Bath announcement highlights urgency.
Prospective faculty can find opportunities via India higher ed jobs.
🗣️ Perspectives: Dalit Activists, Experts, and Platforms
Dalit voices like Velivada amplify the study on X, decrying 'digital Brahminism.' Experts call for caste in platform community standards. Meta/Facebook faces criticism for poor moderation; X under Musk prioritizes 'free speech.'
Govt: IT Rules 2021 mandate grievance officers, but enforcement lags. Bath researchers advocate education for dominant castes.
💡 Pathways to Solutions
Addressing this requires multi-stakeholder action:
- Caste-specific hate speech policies
- AI trained on Indic languages/slurs
- Diverse moderators from marginalized groups
- Digital literacy for Dalits
- UGC-mandated campus social media guidelines
Platforms could fund Dalit-led archives. Policymakers: amend IT Act for caste protections.Full Bath study.
For career resilience, check academic CV tips.
🔮 Looking Ahead: Reimagining Digital Equity
With India's 900M+ internet users, inclusive platforms could empower Dalits in education and jobs. Initiatives like #DalitHistoryMonth show promise. Universities must integrate anti-caste training, monitoring online harassment.
Failure risks deepening divides; success could democratize knowledge. Dr. Attri warns: “Reducing inequality requires... ensuring all communities have the ability to speak, be heard, and shape their own digital histories.”
Photo by Ibrahim Rifath on Unsplash
Final Thoughts and Calls to Action
The University of Bath study spotlights a digital caste crisis demanding urgent reform. Aspiring educators and researchers from all backgrounds can contribute by fostering inclusive spaces. Discover opportunities at Rate My Professor, higher ed jobs, career advice, university jobs, or post a job to build diverse teams.
Share your experiences below—let's amplify solutions.
