Are "Dog Whistle" Expressions on Social Media Extremely Dangerous!? ― Why Seemingly Ordinary Posts Can Foster Discrimination and Division

2025年08月15日 00:01

1. What is a Dog Whistle?

Originally, the term refers to a whistle that emits ultrasonic sound only dogs can hear.
In political science and sociology, it refers to expressions that appear neutral or harmless on the surface but convey discriminatory or exclusionary messages to specific groups.
In English-speaking countries, it has often been used to spread racism, anti-immigrant sentiment, and prejudice against sexual minorities.

2. The Dangers of Dog Whistle Expressions on Social Media

They appear as "ordinary opinions" to general users, making them less likely to be reported or removed.
To specific communities, they are received as "signals only understood by insiders."
When algorithms facilitate their spread, the discriminatory connotations can permeate society as a whole.
As a result, more people may unknowingly contribute to the spread of discrimination.

3. Specific Examples of Dog Whistles

Political Slogans: Words that seem innocuous like "maintaining public order" or "respecting tradition" may actually imply anti-foreigner sentiment or the reinforcement of conservative values.
Use of Numbers and Emojis: Seemingly random numbers or symbols can function as codes for discriminatory groups.
Memes and Jokes: While taking the form of humor, they mock or attack specific attributes.

4. Characteristics of Dog Whistles in Japan

In discussions about foreign workers and immigrants, words like "deterioration of public safety" and "destruction of culture" are used in a dog-whistle manner.
In debates related to feminism and LGBTQ+, phrases like "protecting the values of the traditional family" may incite conflict.
A particular issue on social media is the influx of "implicit signals" developed from anonymous board culture into platforms like Twitter and TikTok.

5. The Mechanism of Dog Whistle Spread

Nature of Algorithms: Extreme posts and emotional language are more likely to spread.
Resonance Among Followers: Shared among those who understand the "hidden meaning," strengthening their bond.
Media Coverage: When picked up as a scandal, it garners even more attention.

6. Impact of Dog Whistles

For victims, it creates a dual suffering of "being attacked yet not easily understood by others."
For society as a whole, it intensifies the delineation of "who is an ally and who is an enemy," worsening division.
Unaware individuals may spread discriminatory expressions, risking the misperception of discrimination as "ordinary opinions."

7. How to Detect Dog Whistles

Pay attention to the "context" of statements. Investigate not just the surface meaning but also the situations in which they are used and past examples.
Be cautious if specific numbers or symbols are repeatedly used.
Observe "who is strongly reacting to those words." If discriminatory broadcasters are eagerly spreading them, it is likely a dog whistle.

8. Countermeasures for Users

Avoid casually spreading unclear posts.
If you notice discriminatory nuances, do not amplify them with "likes" or retweets.
Use the reporting features on social media platforms.
Regularly enhance media literacy and understand the background of words.

9. Recommendations for Platforms and Society

Strengthen monitoring systems with experts, not just AI moderation.
Expand literacy education in educational settings to interpret the "meaning behind words."
Media should not just cover them as "mere scandal topics" but have the responsibility to analyze and convey the discriminatory intent behind them.

10. Conclusion

Dog whistle expressions on social media are not mere wordplay but pose a serious threat of deepening societal division and discrimination. Especially for foreign readers, understanding this issue lurking in Japanese social media culture is crucial for safely disseminating information and avoiding entanglement in discrimination. Precisely because social media is used daily, it is necessary to be aware of the risks hidden in seemingly harmless expressions.

References and Sources

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