Farah Zahir
Editor, Oniket Research Group
Social media has undoubtedly revolutionised communication. For the millions of Bangladeshis living in the United Kingdom and the United States, platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, YouTube, TikTok and X have become virtual bridges connecting them with families, friends and events back home. These digital platforms have helped preserve cultural identity, promote businesses and strengthen community networks. Behind these undeniable benefits, however, lies a growing crisis that deserves urgent attention.
Instead of becoming platforms for knowledge, understanding and community building, social media is increasingly fostering misinformation, political polarisation, hostility and social fragmentation among expatriate Bangladeshis. Unless these trends are addressed, the long-term consequences could undermine the very unity that has long been one of the diaspora’s greatest strengths.
The Death of Truth in the Digital Age
The first casualty of the social media age is truth itself. Rumours today travel faster than verified facts. A manipulated video, a fabricated news story or an emotionally charged Facebook post can reach thousands of people within minutes. Many members of the Bangladeshi diaspora rely heavily on social media for news from Bangladesh, often without verifying the authenticity of what they read or share. As a result, false information spreads rapidly, creating confusion and deepening mistrust within communities.
The problem is compounded by social media algorithms that reward sensationalism over accuracy. The more controversial a post, the greater its visibility. Outrage generates clicks, comments and shares, while thoughtful discussion often receives little attention. Balanced perspectives are consequently drowned out by extreme voices.
Political Fault Lines Across the Ocean
Political divisions imported from Bangladesh have become another unfortunate feature of diaspora life. Social media has turned political disagreements into deep personal conflicts. Instead of encouraging informed debate, online discussions frequently descend into insults, accusations and character assassination. Community organisations, cultural associations and even family gatherings are increasingly affected by tensions that originate on digital platforms.
These divisions do not remain confined to the internet. They spill over into real-life relationships, weakening trust and cooperation within expatriate communities that should be united in promoting education, business, culture and social welfare.
The Spread of Hate and Harassment
Equally concerning is the rise of hate speech and online harassment. Anonymous accounts and fake profiles often spread abusive language, religious intolerance and personal attacks with little accountability. Such behaviour creates an atmosphere of fear and hostility that discourages constructive dialogue. Young people growing up in these environments may begin to view online aggression as normal, further eroding standards of respectful communication.
The Erosion of Critical Thinking
Social media is also changing the way knowledge is acquired. Increasingly, people consume information through short videos, memes and sensational headlines rather than thoughtful articles, books or credible journalism. Complex issues involving economics, international affairs, religion or public policy are reduced to simplistic slogans that encourage emotional reactions rather than informed understanding.
This decline in critical thinking should concern every member of the Bangladeshi diaspora. Communities thrive when citizens are informed, open-minded and willing to evaluate evidence. They suffer when opinions are shaped by misinformation and prejudice.
A Widening Generational Divide
Another unintended consequence is the widening generational divide. Older members of the community often trust messages forwarded through social media without questioning their authenticity, while younger generations consume information from multiple digital sources with varying degrees of reliability. These different patterns of media consumption sometimes create misunderstandings within families about politics, religion and cultural values.
The Hidden Psychological Toll
The psychological effects cannot be ignored either. Constant exposure to political conflicts, disturbing news, online arguments and unrealistic portrayals of success contributes to stress, anxiety and emotional fatigue. For immigrants already balancing the pressures of work, cultural adaptation and family responsibilities across continents, social media often amplifies rather than relieves these challenges.
The Positive Power of Digital Platforms
Blaming technology alone, however, would be misguided. Social media itself is neither good nor bad; its impact depends entirely on how it is used. Every day, Bangladeshi organisations across the UK and the USA successfully use these platforms to organise charitable initiatives, celebrate cultural festivals, promote education, support new immigrants and strengthen professional networks. These positive examples demonstrate that social media can be a powerful force for community development when used responsibly.
A Path Forward: Digital Responsibility
The solution begins with digital responsibility. Every user has a duty to verify information before sharing it. Community leaders should promote media literacy and encourage respectful dialogue, even when opinions differ. Parents and educators must teach younger generations to distinguish credible journalism from misinformation and emotional manipulation. Social media companies also have an obligation to strengthen fact-checking systems and reduce the spread of harmful content without restricting legitimate freedom of expression.
A Community Worth Protecting
The Bangladeshi diaspora has earned admiration for its resilience, entrepreneurship and contributions to both Bangladesh and its adopted countries. It would be unfortunate if misinformation and online hostility were allowed to weaken those achievements.
The choice is ultimately ours. Social media can either deepen divisions or strengthen unity. It can either spread ignorance or promote knowledge. It can either fuel hatred or encourage understanding. The future of our communities will depend not on the technology we use, but on the values we choose to uphold.
The time has come for expatriate Bangladeshis in the United Kingdom and the United States to reclaim social media as a platform for truth, respect and constructive engagement. Only then can it truly serve the interests of a community whose greatest strength has always been its ability to remain connected, not only through technology, but through trust, shared values and mutual respect.
