The viral meme over the last few weeks that promoted ‘red vs blue wars’ between schools across London on social media exposed how blurred the lines have become between the online world and reality.

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A series of AI-generated posters, boosted by social media algorithms, called for violence between specific schools in the capital. The posters had images of weapons, and the meme centred plainly and simply on an attempt to create division. Some schools closed early to keep children safe, while the police and local authorities conducted patrols and maintained a more visible presence in the area.

Thankfully, it didn’t lead to a single report of violence, but the incident highlighted three key things.

Firstly, it further exposed how social media and the online world are being used as a platform to organise and potentially incite violence, to fuel tensions between communities and to create division.

Secondly, it highlighted an ongoing........

© LBC