This morning, I learned that several web sites and applications were afflicted by some sort of incident in which New York City was labeled “Jewtropolis” on their maps. While this incident was apparently rectified in a short period of time, this nevertheless represents a disturbing trend where hatred, racism, and anti-Semitism are being promulgated on social media.

I am greatly dismayed to witness vitriolic anti-Semitism continue perniciously in the 21st century, finding new platforms on social media to spread messages of hate. While Snapchat alone may not be responsible for what happened, as several other applications and websites using the same mapping system were also affected, none are entirely devoid of responsibility, and should own that. Millions of people use Snapchat, meaning New York being labeled “Jewtropolis” was possibly visible to anyone who accessed their maps during this time. This might not have happened if these applications had been more careful about who had the ability and access to change these maps. What other sorts of changes can be made and by whom?

Social media and the internet gives those seeking to spread hate the ability to reach thousands and even millions of people, and the victims of that hate are forced to be reminded that there are strangers who bear them ill will, or wish them harm. With the great potency social media platforms have, there comes an enormous responsibility to ensure they are not used for the kind of maliciousness that occurred today. Right now, it does not seem like those operating these platforms are taking this responsibility seriously.