Public understanding of social concerns, and response to them, are influenced by media portrayals. This is true of homelessness: whether through traditional newspapers or social media platforms, the narratives we encounter shape public opinion, policy discussions, and ultimately, the lives of those experiencing homelessness. Our paper explores how homelessness is presented and discussed in both print and social media in mid-size cities, and the implications of these portrayals.
Print Media vs. Social Media: Contrasting Narratives
One of the findings of the study is the difference between how print and social media discuss homelessness. For example, print media tends to follow a predictable pattern, with spikes in coverage during colder months and around major philanthropic holidays. This seasonal reporting aligns with public concern during harsh weather conditions but may also contribute to “compassion fatigue“. When homelessness is only highlighted at certain times of the year, the urgency to address the issue may diminish during other periods.
Social media, on the other hand, provides a more continuous discussion of homelessness. Public Facebook groups analyzed in the study contained ongoing dialogues about topics which commenters associate with homelessness, such as crime, substance use, and encampments. However, these discussions were often marked by misinformation, stereotypes, and stigmatizing language, with some users making derogatory comments about unhoused people, further reinforcing negative perceptions.
The Role of Encampments in Media Discussions
Encampments were a focal point in media discussions of homelessness, with both print and social media frequently linking them to crime and drug use. While traditional media has occasionally presented policy responses and potential solutions—such as city initiatives to provide shelter or build affordable housing—social media narratives were often more adversarial, dominated by fear-based rhetoric and NIMBY-ism (Not In My Backyard). This negative framing can create additional barriers to finding community-based solutions that prioritize the needs and dignity of people who are homeless.
Who Gets to Speak? The Inclusion (or Exclusion) of Voices
We found a disparity in whose voices are included in the different media discussions. Print media showed a greater effort to incorporate lived expert voices (though they were limited), as well as the voices of service providers and municipal representatives. In contrast, social media conversations were largely driven by housed community members, with little to no direct participation from individuals with lived experience of homelessness. This exclusion is troubling because it means that discussions about homelessness are often shaped without meaningful input from those who are directly affected. Including the voices of people experiencing homelessness is essential in countering stereotypes, humanizing the issue, and fostering more informed public discourse.
Moving Toward Solutions Journalism and Digital Responsibility
We discuss the potential of “solutions journalism“—a reporting approach that not only identifies problems but also presents viable solutions. Some print media sources have adopted this approach, showcasing efforts to address homelessness, such as city-funded affordable housing projects. However, solutions journalism must go beyond presenting quick fixes; it should also question the effectiveness of proposed solutions and push for systemic change.
Social media, despite its challenges, also has the potential to serve as a tool for empowerment and education. We see the need for technological interventions, such as content moderation algorithms that reduce harmful stigmatization, as well as initiatives that encourage constructive, empathy-driven conversations about homelessness.
Final Thoughts: The Need for a Narrative Shift
Although media alone cannot solve homelessness, it plays a crucial role in shaping public attitudes and policy responses. Our study underscores the need for more responsible reporting, greater inclusion of diverse voices, and a shift away from sensationalist and stigmatizing narratives. By fostering a more nuanced and solutions-oriented discourse, both traditional and social media can contribute to meaningful change in addressing homelessness.
To truly tackle the issue, we must start by changing how we talk about it. Whether you’re a journalist, social media user, or community advocate, recognizing the power of narratives can be the first step toward creating positive social change.
Read the full article here: https://ojs.lib.uwo.ca/index.php/ijoh/article/view/17736