Meghan Markle’s activism comes as no surprise to fans. Even with a bustling career in Hollywood, the ex-royal remained true to her humanitarian goal. In fact, very few people know that Markle became an advocate for human rights at the young age of 11! How amazing is that?
Even now, this global ambassador for World Vision‘s mind buzzes with the wrongs in the world and the solutions for said wrongs. Today, we’re looking at one such problem she recently pointed out at The New York Times DealBook Online Summit.
Getty Images | The Suits actress is more than just a pretty face and the wife of a British royal
Meghan Floats Instagram ‘Dislike’ Button Idea
In conversation with host Andrew Ross Sorkin, the Duchess of Sussex explained why Instagram users need better reaction choices than either ‘Like’ or hate in the comments section. The advocate spoke of how much better the online experience would be if such platforms just had a ‘Dislike’ button.
Markle goes into detail to explain her standing, stating that if you like something, the ‘Like’ button is perfect – you show your appreciation and move on. However, when you dislike something, you have no choice but to go into the comment section to share your opinion in a very “vitriolic” manner. She concludes her statement by mentioning how simple it would be if everyone could just ‘Like’ or ‘Dislike’ content without feeling the need to resort to spewing hate in the comment section.
NYT Dealbook Summit | Host Andre Ross Sorkin in conversation with Ariel Investments’ President and co-CEO Mellody Hobson and Meghan Markle
Media and Social Media Toxicity
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are all too familiar with the kind of toxicity that lives on social media. During Wired magazine’s RE:WIRED virtual summit, Prince Harry mentioned that 70% of the hate speech on Twitter against Meghan was traced to less than 50 accounts.
From there, he states that tabloid journalists regurgitate these lies as the truth, giving them an even bigger platform and more recognition. He adds that the misogynistic term ‘Megxit’ was coined by a Twitter troll but eventually grew to become a part of mainstream media because of journalists.
By stating this, the Prince highlights that the problem doesn’t live just on social media but also on traditional media. What was once sacred ground used only to report facts, the truth, and important information, now uses clickbaity content to gain views. The Duke of Sussex also mentions that it’s high time people realized that targeted advertising isn’t the only place you’ll find clickbait.
Shutterstock | Meghan and Prince Harry at the One World Observatory in the World Trade Center
Coming Back Full Circle…
Meghan Markle also advises people to stay away from tabloids as they’re unhealthy for just about everyone. In the end, she hopes that such content can start coming with warning labels like cigarettes do – something along the lines of ‘trigger warning: may harm mental health’.
