History, Slurs, and Disinformation: a Fact-Check on Primate Tropes in Modern Online Culture
By Elena Rostova
The mechanics of modern recommendation feeds have accelerated the spread of these tropes. On platforms like TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and Instagram Reels, engagement algorithms prioritize fast-paced controversy, conflict, and aggressive discourse. When a controversial street interview or political demonstration trends, early derogatory comments often gain immediate traction through inflammatory replies.
Because recommendation systems often equate rapid replies with valuable engagement, comments containing veiled dehumanizing digital tropes rise to the top of comment feeds. The algorithm does not interpret the racial history behind the phrase; it merely registers that hundreds of users are engaging with the post. This technical design gives coordinated harassment campaigns disproportionate visibility during high-stakes elections and national news events.
Elena Rostova holds a Master's degree in Public Health Journalism. She covers groundbreaking medical research, holistic wellness trends, mental health awareness, and nutritional science.
