The Impact of DEI on Social Media

By: Caitlin Franklin, Seasonal Public Relations Intern | Digital4Good 

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies have dominated social media as the drivers of user engagement. Not only do they impact brand perceptions, but they also provide opportunities to uplift and amplify marginalized voices in media. While social media platforms have expanded their efforts towards inclusion, they also contend with challenges around representation, audience expectations, and the nature of the ever-evolving digital landscape. In this article, we examine popular examples of DEI-focused social media activism from the recent past and explore the significance they hold for the future.

Amplifying Marginalized Voices 

Raising Awareness Through Social Media Campaigns

Social media has played a huge role in raising awareness and building momentum around issues that many people care deeply about. This includes the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement, which leveraged platforms like Twitter (now X) and Facebook to speak out against police violence, racial injustice, and systemic racism directed towards African Americans. The hashtag #BlackLivesMatter grew into a worldwide call to arms that sparked discussions about racial bias and brought millions to the streets in protest against racial inequity. 

The accessibility and convenience of social media is especially conducive to the rapid spread of ideas and campaigns. Hashtags like #MeToo have elevated conversations about harassment and gender inequality, showing how social media is changing the game for DEI causes. 

Mobilization and Awareness Campaigns 

Breaking Stereotypes Through Representation

Social media has paved the way for more diverse narratives from underrepresented groups to emerge, break stereotypes, and build communities. A notable example was the “I Look Like an Engineer” campaign launched in 2015 by software developer Isis Anchalee. This movement challenged gender biases against women who work in male-dominated fields. In the first week alone, #iLookLikeAnEngineer was used more than 85,000 times, showcasing the power of activism through social media. 

Influence on Organizational Policies 

Corporate Accountability and DEI Initiatives

Social media activism has compelled corporations to rethink how they approach diversity and inclusion. For example, Target’s DEI initiatives and release of LGBTQ Pride-themed merchandise—followed by its scaling back of said collection—sparked controversial reactions online, impacting brand perception and consumer trust. These conversations highlight how businesses must shift and adapt to meet an evolving landscape of inclusivity in the face of consumer expectations. 

Challenges and Backlash 

Resistance to DEI Efforts

Despite progress, DEI efforts on social media have been met with resistance. In the wake of an executive order, the Pentagon removed more than 26,000 images that reportedly promoted DEI from Department of Defense social media pages and websites. This large-scale culling of digital content ignited conversations about representation and the obliteration of histories of marginalized groups. 

Similarly, the Trump administration has introduced a portal, “End DEI,” which asks the broader public to report instances of K-12 schools promoting DEI initiatives. This caused an outburst of backlash, not only in policy circles, but also among the general public. Critics of the portal’s launch, for instance,  have posted plans to spam the portal with false reports. This reflects deep-seated divisions in broader society around these topics. 

Get Involved 

Building a Safer, Inclusive Online Space

Social media continues to shape conversations around diversity, equity, and inclusion, but meaningful change can’t happen unless people take action. Whether it’s through amplifying diverse voices, supporting DEI-focused initiatives, or even holding brands accountable, every single action contributes to a more inclusive space online. 

Join Digital4Good in creating a safer, more inclusive digital world by joining our Students4Good Community Events, created exclusively for students wanting to make a positive impact online. Get involved by sharing positive content and engaging in meaningful conversations. Let’s strive to promote equity online!