Online hate

Overview

Online hate speech is content that targets protected characteristics. ‘Protected characteristics’ are aspects of a person’s identity, including:

• race
• age
• sex
• disability
• religion
• transgender identity
• sexual orientation

These characteristics are protected from discrimination. Online hate speech involves inciting, spreading or promoting hatred or discrimination of someone because they possess these characteristics.

Online hate that incites violence offline can also put people’s safety at risk. Incidents involving young people, either as victims or perpetrators, are serious safeguarding issues. They should always be reported to the school’s designated safeguarding person (DSP) in line with school procedures.

Motivations behind online hate

Online hate is often born out of fear of people who are different. This may be due to ignorance, or a person’s belief that they are superior or ‘normal’ and that anyone different to them is inferior.

People who create and share hateful content online may be targeting a specific individual or aiming their abuse at an entire group. There are several reasons why people may share controversial views online. They may see it as a ‘game’ or want to pick a fight, as hateful content can often evoke strong emotions. Others may find hate content funny, because they do not appreciate the impact their abuse can have.

Effects of online hate

Online hate often uses dehumanising words or images to make a person or group sound inferior to others in society. Being targeted by this kind of behaviour can be deeply upsetting.

It may have a serious impact on a person's:

• mental health
• confidence
• sense of self-worth

It is important to remember that content posted online has the potential to impact on the individual who posted it in the future. This is the case even if it was posted by mistake, or without understanding. Each time you post online you are building a digital footprint.

Media influence

Social media, online news sites and other forums can sometimes become spaces where hate is expressed and amplified. Some content on these platforms has been created to misinform people or reinforce stereotypes.

Such misinformation may fuel online hate. This can potentially influence individuals to act in hateful or even violent ways towards specific people or groups.

Online news sites and social media platforms have made it easy for people to connect with each other to share current events and opinions. While this can be a positive thing, some people use them to create and share content that misinforms the public or reinforces existing stereotypes. This misinformation can be a major driving force for online hate.

Impact of generative AI

While generative AI can be used to combat online hate speech by flagging harmful content, it can also be misused to:

• create discriminatory content
• increase the visibility and reach of harmful posts

Support for young people

Support for schools

Support for families

Views from the experts

Help and support

• True Vision: Stop Hate Crime
• Wales Hate Support Centre