The impact of social media exposure to anti-Asian hate crimes on Asians’ mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States
1
Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Public Health, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Baltimore, United States
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A2392
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
During the COVID-19 pandemic, as Asian populations in the United States faced increasing anti-Asian hate crimes, social media emerged as the primary communication channel amid lockdowns. However, little is systematically known about how these hate crimes spread on social media and how they have impacted the mental health of Asian populations, including anxiety, depression, and racial trauma, in both online and offline spaces.
METHODS:
We conducted a systematic literature review using five online databases: PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, ScienceDirect, and OpenGrey. Inclusion criteria addressed six key thematic areas: 1) Asian populations, 2) the COVID-19 pandemic, 3) racism and discrimination, 4) mental health impacts, 5) the role of social media as a platform, and 6) contextual relevance to the United States.
RESULTS:
A total of 15 articles were included for the final review,1–15 from which five themes emerged. First, Asian populations experienced high rates of racial prejudice and discrimination, with significant attention on social media. Second, anti-Asian hate crimes peaked during COVID-19. Because of its limited supervision, regulations, and censorship, social media has exponentially increased the spread of anti-Asian sentiment, regardless of its potential harm. Third, geographically, both rural and metropolitan areas showed hate crimes. Demographic and ideological differences further influenced the intensity and spread of discrimination. Fourth, racial prejudice and discrimination were negatively associated with mental health. Lastly, social media served dual roles: it disseminated anti-Asian attitudes as well as refuted them. Social media functioned as a versatile platform for communities to both oppose and support one another.
CONCLUSIONS:
Societal support via social media and counter-hate campaigns can essentially help to stop anti-Asian hate crimes and other racially inspired crimes. Policymakers and public health experts should track social media trends and apply culturally specific communication techniques to contribute to healthier Asian communities in the United States.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, as Asian populations in the United States faced increasing anti-Asian hate crimes, social media emerged as the primary communication channel amid lockdowns. However, little is systematically known about how these hate crimes spread on social media and how they have impacted the mental health of Asian populations, including anxiety, depression, and racial trauma, in both online and offline spaces.
METHODS:
We conducted a systematic literature review using five online databases: PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, ScienceDirect, and OpenGrey. Inclusion criteria addressed six key thematic areas: 1) Asian populations, 2) the COVID-19 pandemic, 3) racism and discrimination, 4) mental health impacts, 5) the role of social media as a platform, and 6) contextual relevance to the United States.
RESULTS:
A total of 15 articles were included for the final review,1–15 from which five themes emerged. First, Asian populations experienced high rates of racial prejudice and discrimination, with significant attention on social media. Second, anti-Asian hate crimes peaked during COVID-19. Because of its limited supervision, regulations, and censorship, social media has exponentially increased the spread of anti-Asian sentiment, regardless of its potential harm. Third, geographically, both rural and metropolitan areas showed hate crimes. Demographic and ideological differences further influenced the intensity and spread of discrimination. Fourth, racial prejudice and discrimination were negatively associated with mental health. Lastly, social media served dual roles: it disseminated anti-Asian attitudes as well as refuted them. Social media functioned as a versatile platform for communities to both oppose and support one another.
CONCLUSIONS:
Societal support via social media and counter-hate campaigns can essentially help to stop anti-Asian hate crimes and other racially inspired crimes. Policymakers and public health experts should track social media trends and apply culturally specific communication techniques to contribute to healthier Asian communities in the United States.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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