Intergroup discrimination is a phenomenon where individuals display biased attitudes, prejudice, or unfair treatment towards members of a different social group than their own. It involves perceiving and treating individuals differently based on their group membership, such as race, ethnicity, religion, or nationality. Intergroup discrimination can manifest in various forms, including stereotypes, exclusion, prejudice, and unequal access to resources or opportunities. It often stems from ingroup favoritism, where individuals exhibit a preference or loyalty towards their own group while exhibiting bias or discrimination towards outgroup members.
In the context of an online community, intergroup discrimination can manifest as biased attitudes, stereotypes, or exclusion based on group membership. Online platforms bring together individuals from diverse backgrounds, increasing the likelihood of encountering different social groups. Unfortunately, this diversity can also give rise to discrimination, prejudice, or the formation of online "in-groups" and "out-groups." Members may exhibit biased behaviors such as trolling, hate speech, or exclusionary practices towards individuals from different groups. Addressing intergroup discrimination in online communities requires proactive moderation, establishing clear community guidelines, fostering inclusivity, and promoting respectful interactions among members. Building a culture of understanding, empathy, and appreciation for diversity helps create a positive and inclusive online community environment.