[THE VIEW]The Significance of the "Black-Owned Business" Label

Online Platforms Like Yelp and Google in the U.S.
Introduce Labels Amid Social Justice Movements
Driving Positive Change for Diversity and Inclusion

In modern society, online platforms have become important mediators that go beyond mere information exchange to promote social values and cultural diversity. In the United States, with the spread of social justice movements and increased awareness of economic inequality, online platforms such as Yelp (a local business search and review website) and Google are responding to demands related to social and economic changes.

These platforms have introduced labels that allow consumers to identify "Black-owned businesses" and "minority-owned businesses." This measure aims to promote diversity and inclusion and foster economic opportunities by enabling consumers to consciously choose and support businesses owned by specific minority groups.

Such initiatives have raised consumer awareness of how their purchasing behaviors connect to social values and have brought about several positive effects. Research indicates that increased visibility of these businesses has made it easier for consumers to find and support them, helping to expand their customer base.

Thus, consumers can easily recognize the social value of their purchases and make decisions based on this through online platforms accessible anytime and anywhere. However, there are concerns that the introduction of the "Black-owned" label negatively affects review ratings of these businesses on the platforms. This may be due to negative perceptions toward social movements or support for certain groups.

South Korea has a relatively low proportion of specific races or minorities. Nevertheless, if such functions are proactively utilized on online platforms, it could help address various challenges faced by our society and substantially enhance social inclusion. In a broader sense, this could promote cultural diversity, community development, and foster positive changes across society.

There are several important factors to consider when implementing these measures. First, verifying the accuracy of information is essential. To prevent misinformation or misunderstandings, platforms should base labels on business owners’ applications but establish appropriate verification procedures. Additionally, it is necessary to ensure that specific labels do not bring negative attention or threats to the business or its owners.

To this end, communication with local communities during the introduction process is crucial to gather feedback from stakeholders and adjust plans by reflecting their opinions and concerns. Finally, beyond simply adding labels, it is important to understand the barriers these businesses may face and regularly evaluate and improve the effectiveness of the function.

These efforts will continue to play a vital role in guiding the future development of our society and contribute to building a more inclusive society alongside advances in digital technology. Furthermore, they will be instrumental in creating an environment where everyone can enjoy opportunities without discrimination.

Yunseok Son, Professor at the University of Notre Dame, USA