Hawzah News Agency- Nearly half of UK adults say they most often encounter anti-Muslim stereotypes and misinformation on social media, according to new national research commissioned by Better Communities Bradford (BCB), a leading community cohesion charity.
The survey reveals that 46 percent of respondents identified social media platforms as the primary source of negative portrayals of Muslims, far outpacing other sources of bias.
Meanwhile, 20 percent of participants reported encountering such rhetoric in public spaces, including shops, public transport or local events. Another 20 percent said political debates or media commentary were their most frequent exposure, while 16 percent cited the workplace or educational institutions.
These findings highlight the pervasive nature of anti-Muslim sentiment both online and in everyday physical environments. Related research indicates that 22 percent of people believe Muslims are demonised more than any other religious group in the UK.
Chief Executive of Better Communities Bradford Abbas Najib commented on the findings: “When nearly half the population is saying they most often see anti-Muslim content online, we’re not just talking about casual prejudice, we’re talking about algorithm-driven, high-volume exposure to misinformation. And when that’s echoed in our politics and public spaces, we can’t afford to stay silent''.
In response to these concerning trends, BCB has launched Project Unity, a one-year, education-based initiative designed to counter anti-Muslim hate and foster greater understanding across communities.
Project Unity will deliver free interactive workshops and interfaith dialogue sessions in workplaces, schools, universities, sports clubs and community venues nationwide.
The initiative arrives at a critical time: although Muslims comprise just 6.5 percent of the UK population, they represent 42 percent of all victims of religious hate crimes, according to the latest Home Office data.
Source: The Arab Weekly
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