Digital afrodiaspora: algorithmic xenorcism in the visibility of African migrants

Abstract

The objective of this study is to understand the dynamics of xenoracism on digital platforms, with an emphasis on the experiences and perceptions of African migrants who act as content creators, exploring algorithmic mediation in digital visibility. The research, with a qualitative and exploratory-descriptive approach, used the snowball field insertion technique, involving six migrants of different nationalities from African countries and residents in Brazil. The analysis of the interviews, based on Critical Discourse Analysis, illustrated three main forms of algorithmic mediation of xenoracism: digital silencing and marginalization, bias in the categorization of writing, and aesthetic bias. The results indicate that content about racism and African identity receives less engagement, that terms such as “racism” and “xenophobia” are frequently classified as hate speech, and that Eurocentric standards are reinforced through filters and recommendation mechanisms. In this sense, the algorithms of digital platforms operate under the logics of a new digital colonialism, which not only bias, but also mediate different identity categories, directly impacting the digital experience of black migrants. Thus, this research aims to contribute, based on the understanding of algorithmic discrimination, to the discussion of proposals such as new regulations in terms of governance and rights in the digital field, highlighting the need for greater transparency in recommendation systems and initiatives that promote a fairer and more equitable internet.