Why Black Actors Face the Harshest Social Media Backlash

A recent study has analyzed the volume of negative social media posts directed at actors. The research provides data on which performers have received the most significant online criticism, with a notable trend emerging among Black actors in major film franchises.

Main News

The study was conducted by the University of Southern California’s Annenberg Inclusion Initiative and sponsored by the Adobe Foundation. It analyzed over 1.2 million social media posts related to the top-grossing movies of 2022 and 2023.

Researchers identified the actors who received the most negative posts. The data showed that a disproportionate amount of this online backlash was directed at Black actors.

The actors receiving the highest levels of negative sentiment were Moses Ingram, Quinta Brunson, and John Boyega. The report highlighted that much of the criticism was not based on their acting performances but on their identity.

Summary

A study from USC’s Annenberg Inclusion Initiative has revealed that Black actors face a disproportionately high level of negative posts on social media. The research examined posts concerning the most successful films in 2022 and 2023.

The findings identified Moses Ingram, Quinta Brunson, and John Boyega as the actors who received the most significant online backlash. The analysis indicated that the criticism was often related to the actors’ race and identity.

This research provides quantitative data on a phenomenon often discussed anecdotally in the entertainment industry. The study was funded by the Adobe Foundation as part of an effort to understand online toxicity.

FAQs

**Which actors were found to receive the most backlash?**
The study identified Moses Ingram, Quinta Brunson, and John Boyega as receiving the highest levels of negative social media posts. The analysis was based on data from 2022 and 2023.

What was the focus of the research?
The research aimed to measure the amount of negative online sentiment directed at actors in major films. It specifically quantified posts that contained abusive, toxic, or hateful language.

Who conducted this study?
The study was carried out by the University of Southern California’s Annenberg Inclusion Initiative. It was sponsored by the Adobe Foundation.