The story of Moses naming his son Gershom —“I have been a stranger in a strange land”—echoes profoundly in the context of the recent UK riots. As someone of Middle Eastern descent, these events have intensified my sense of alienation, highlighting how easily communities can fracture when confronted with fear and hostility. Misinformation, poverty, and inequality have fuelled a resurgence of tribalism, turning neighbours into strangers and leaving many feeling unwelcome in their homeland. Through this lens, I argue that our current societal landscape exacerbates the feeling of being a “stranger in a strange land”, not just for those like me but for many who find themselves marginalised by economic and social forces beyond their control. The following sections will unpack the impact of misinformation on group dynamics, the role of poverty and inequality in exacerbating social tensions, and the psychological mechanisms that drive tribalism in times of crisis.
Misinformation and Deindividuation
The recent riots triggered by the Southport knife attack offer a troubling glimpse into the power of misinformation to ignite social tensions and lead to widespread violence. The spread of false information about the attacker’s identity—groundless claims that quickly proliferated on social media—served to exacerbate existing fears and prejudices, particularly those tied to race, religion, and immigration. These baseless rumours, often amplified by far-right groups and influencers, fed into a narrative that resonated with the anxieties of certain segments of the population, culminating in a collective outburst of violence.
As I’ve warned elsewhere in an article submitted to the UK Parliament, the role of algorithms in perpetuating these falsehoods is deeply concerning and should not be understated. Social media platforms, through their algorithmic designs, often prioritise content that is sensational or divisive, as it drives engagement. This creates echo chambers where misinformation can flourish, unchecked by opposing views or factual corrections. In the context of the riots, this algorithmic amplification turned isolated pieces of disinformation into a widespread and powerful force, capable of mobilising large groups, often towards violent action.
This phenomenon, where individuals engage in destructive or immoral behaviour in a group setting that they might not undertake alone, is often explained by the concept of “mob mentality” or “deindividuation”. Deindividuation occurs when individuals feel anonymous within a group, leading to a loss of self-awareness and a diminished sense of personal responsibility. The Southport riots were exacerbated by the spread of misinformation and disinformation, particularly the false claims about the attacker’s background. Social media played a significant role in amplifying these falsehoods, which were then exploited by far-right groups to incite anger and violence against ethnic minorities and immigrants. When people become part of a large, emotionally charged crowd, the usual social constraints that regulate individual behaviour can weaken. Actions become driven more by the collective emotions of the group than by personal morals. The fear, anger, and frustration stoked by online falsehoods created an environment where many felt justified in participating in the riots, even though their actions were destructive and harmful.
The far-right groups that exploited the Southport tragedy used the situation to push their agendas, tapping into broader societal anxieties about crime, immigration, and national identity. This exploitation of a tragic event to fuel violence further illustrates how group dynamics, coupled with manipulative influences, can lead to a significant breakdown in moral behaviour among individuals who might otherwise not engage in such acts. These manipulative influences are intertwined with the algorithmic structures of social media platforms, which are designed to prioritise engagement over truth. Algorithms, by amplifying content that triggers emotional and cognitive biases—such as confirmation bias and in-group favouritism—create a fertile ground for manipulation. This algorithmic reinforcement not only magnifies the reach of extremist rhetoric but also subtly reshapes individuals’ perceptions of reality, blurring the boundaries between moral agency and algorithmically engineered behaviour. The convergence of group dynamics and algorithmic manipulation results in a distorted moral landscape, where actions are increasingly driven by curated realities rather than autonomous ethical reasoning.
Polarisation and the Threat to Democracy
The riots also highlight a broader danger: the potential for misinformation to polarise society and erode democratic norms. When people are consistently exposed to false or misleading information, particularly when it aligns with their preexisting beliefs, it becomes harder to engage in constructive dialogue or reach consensus on societal issues. This polarisation can lead to the breakdown of social cohesion, as seen in the attacks on ethnic minorities and the targeting of religious sites during the riots.
The ability of misinformation to drive individuals to extreme actions poses a direct threat to democratic institutions. When large segments of the population are misled by falsehoods and motivated by fear or anger, it undermines the principles of reasoned debate and informed decision-making that are essential to a functioning democracy. The violence and chaos witnessed during the recent UK riots illustrate the broader dangers that unchecked misinformation poses to democratic societies.
Poverty and Inequality
These riots are not solely about racial hatred or misinformation, though these are undeniably significant factors. They also stem from deep-rooted issues, most notably poverty, inequality and insufficient education, which pervade many communities. These conditions exacerbate feelings of alienation and resentment, making individuals more susceptible to extreme actions. When people are struggling to make ends meet, when they feel abandoned by the state, and when their future looks bleak, they are more prone to divisive rhetoric and more likely to view those who are different as threats.
Poverty is not merely a lack of financial resources; it is a pervasive condition that impacts every aspect of life, embodying a form of existential marginalisation. When people are trapped in a cycle of poverty, their opportunities for upward mobility are severely limited, reflecting a deeper structural inequality. This economic marginalisation does more than deprive individuals of material wealth; it systematically erodes their sense of agency and belonging within the social order. The disillusionment with the state and its institutions arises not only from the experience of poverty itself but from the recognition of inequality as an enduring social reality—an unequal distribution of not just wealth, but power, opportunity, and respect. This inequality is perceived as an inherent feature of the societal fabric, leading to a profound sense of alienation and a belief that the institutions meant to protect and uplift are instead complicit in perpetuating these disparities. Poverty and inequality together create a dual burden: one that strips individuals of material resources while simultaneously embedding them in a social hierarchy that reinforces their exclusion.
When education fails to provide the tools necessary for social and economic advancement, it not only hinders individual progress but also perpetuates broader societal inequalities. Communities that suffer from chronic underfunding of educational institutions are more likely to experience high levels of unemployment and crime, further entrenching the socio-economic divides that separate the haves from the have-nots. This creates fertile ground for divisive rhetoric to take root, as people who feel left behind by the system are more likely to view those who are different—whether by race, religion, or nationality—as scapegoats for their struggles.
In essence, the riots are not just an outcry against perceived cultural or racial threats; they are a manifestation of deeper, systemic failures that have left large segments of the population feeling disconnected and disenfranchised. Addressing these issues requires more than just prosecuting those responsible for the violence—it necessitates a comprehensive approach that tackles the root causes of inequality, fosters social inclusion, and ensures that every individual has the opportunity to succeed and thrive in society.
Tribal Instincts
Humans have evolved to operate in groups, and this tribal psychology becomes particularly pronounced in times of crisis. When faced with uncertainty, fear, or threat—such as the misinformation surrounding the Southport knife attack—people often revert to a more primal, “us vs. them” mindset. This shift can cause individuals to align more closely with their perceived in-group, leading to a stark division between “insiders” and “outsiders”. In these situations, our cognitive biases can become more pronounced, allowing prejudices and stereotypes to surface.
These biases and the resulting tribal behaviour are mechanisms that once served to protect early human societies from external threats. However, in the context of modern society, they can lead to destructive behaviours, such as the rise in racism and xenophobia seen during the riots. When people are economically distressed and bombarded with misleading information, these deep-seated biases can override rational judgment and moral reasoning, leading to actions that are driven more by fear and prejudice than by ethical considerations.
The rise in racism observed during the recent riots can be directly linked to a reversion to tribal instincts, where fear and uncertainty drove individuals to align with their perceived in-group. This dynamic was evident in the targeting of mosques, businesses, and individuals based on race or religion. Some agitators, for example, falsely claimed that the attacker was an “undocumented migrant” who had arrived in the UK on a boat—a narrative that fuelled the violence and garnered over 12 million views on social media before being removed. Similarly, other far-right figures perpetuated the unsubstantiated claim that the attacker was Muslim, with some writing, “We need to permanently remove Islam from Great Britain,” while inciting further hatred and violence through phrases like “Diversity is a hate crime against white people” and encouraging rioters to “Give ‘em hell, lads” during clashes with police. Such rhetoric inflamed tribal instincts, transforming fear into aggressive actions against perceived outsiders.
These tribal behaviours are further exacerbated by the economic and social context in which they occur. In times of poverty and inequality, when individuals feel that their opportunities for advancement are under threat, they are more likely to cling to their in-group and view outsiders as existential threats. This is why areas with high levels of poverty and persistent inequality often experience higher levels of social tension and violence. When combined with the rapid spread of misinformation, these conditions create a perfect storm where moral compasses are easily lost, and base instincts take over.
The Role of Education
A key solution to countering these trends lies in education, particularly in taking the humanities and social sciences seriously. Education plays a critical role in equipping individuals with the tools to critically evaluate information, recognise bias, and understand the broader social, cultural, and historical contexts that shape our world. By fostering critical thinking and empathy, education in the humanities and social sciences can help individuals navigate the complex social landscape, resist the pull of misinformation, and engage more constructively in public discourse.
Investing in education that emphasises these disciplines is essential for creating a more informed and resilient society, capable of withstanding the pressures of misinformation and the divisive forces that threaten to tear it apart. This approach addresses the symptoms of social unrest and tackles the root causes, providing a foundation for more sustainable and inclusive societal development.
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