Tyler Williams

INFO 4620

Small Writing Project 1

4 March 2024

Unveiling Coded Biases: A Comparative Analysis of Instagram and Snapchat

In the ever-evolving digital landscape, social media platforms play a significant

role in shaping our online interactions and perceptions. This essay dives into the coded

biases embedded within two widely used social media platforms, Instagram and

Snapchat. As we explore the features of each platform and critically analyze the origins

of their coded biases, we aim to uncover the consequences these biases have on

individuals, groups, and society at large. By reflecting on our multiple overlapping

identities, we will then determine how these biases intersect with our experiences and

perceptions.

Coded bias, as explained by Ruha Benjamin, refers to the inherent prejudices

and discriminatory practices embedded in technological systems. It is a manifestation of

the values, perspectives, and ideologies of those who design these technologies. In the

context of social media platforms, coded biases can shape the algorithms, content

recommendations, and overall user experience, potentially perpetuating stereotypes

and reinforcing social inequalities.

Instagram and Snapchat, both thriving social media platforms, were designed to

serve the purpose of sharing visual content and connecting users through multimedia

experiences. Instagram, founded by Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger in 2010, quickly

gained popularity for its focus on curated images, filters, and the ability to share stories.

Snapchat, on the other hand, introduced by Evan Spiegel, Bobby Murphy, and Reggie
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INFO 4620

Small Writing Project 1

4 March 2024

Brown in 2011, revolutionized social media with its ephemeral content and interactive

features like disappearing messages and augmented reality filters.

Despite their common purpose, Instagram and Snapchat exhibit distinct coded

biases. Instagram, with its polished and aesthetic-centric interface, tends to favor

content conforming to mainstream beauty standards. Its algorithm often prioritizes posts

featuring conventional attractiveness, potentially sidelining diverse ethnicities, and

lifestyles. This bias may contribute to the reinforcement of societal beauty norms,

adversely affecting individuals who do not fit these predefined standards.

In contrast, Snapchat's emphasis on real-time, unfiltered content can foster a

different set of biases. The platform's playful features, such as augmented reality filters,

might inadvertently perpetuate stereotypes or reinforce cultural appropriation.

Additionally, the impermanence of Snapchat's content might lead to a sense of urgency

and pressure to conform to popular trends, impacting the self-esteem and mental

well-being of users who struggle to keep up with constantly evolving norms.

Understanding the origins of these coded biases involves appraising the

backgrounds of the platforms' creators and the contexts in which they were developed.

Instagram, conceived in Silicon Valley, may reflect the predominantly white, male

perspectives that dominate the tech industry. This demographic imbalance can

contribute to the platform's biases, favoring content that aligns with the cultural norms

prevalent in Silicon Valley.

Tyler Williams

INFO 4620

Small Writing Project 1

4 March 2024

Snapchat, emerging from the younger and diverse tech community of Los

Angeles, might carry biases influenced by the cultural landscape of Southern California.

However, the platform's informal and dynamic nature may also mitigate certain biases,

providing users with a more authentic space for self-expression.

The consequences of these coded biases are far-reaching. On an individual

level, users may internalize societal ideals promoted by these platforms, impacting their

self-esteem and body image. Groups that deviate from mainstream norms may face

marginalization and underrepresentation, further provoking existing social disparities. At

the societal level, the perpetuation of biased content can reinforce harmful stereotypes,

cramping our progress towards a more inclusive and equitable digital space.

Considering our multiple overlapping identities is crucial in understanding how

coded biases intersect with our experiences. Individuals with intersecting marginalized

identities may face compounded biases, experiencing discrimination on multiple fronts.

Moreover, those with privileged identities may be shielded from certain biases,

maintaining a cycle of inequality within digital spaces.

In conclusion, the comparative analysis of Instagram and Snapchat sheds light

on the coded biases ingrained in these social media platforms. By scrutinizing their

features, origins, and impacts on individuals and society, we gain insight into the

complex dynamics of technological biases. Recognizing and challenging these biases is

essential for fostering a more inclusive digital landscape, where technology serves as a

tool for connection rather than a source of discrimination. As we navigate these digital
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INFO 4620

Small Writing Project 1

4 March 2024

realms, let us remain aware in questioning and dismantling the coded biases that shape

our online experiences.

References

Benjamin, R. (2020). Race after technology: Abolitionist Tools for the new jim code. Polity.