How do the media and politics co-create hate speech? New research reveals worrying trends

In recent years, hate speech has become a key social issue, influencing public discourse, opinion-forming and even political decisions. A new study presented in the journal the Public provides an in-depth analysis of anti-refugee hate speech in Facebook comments. In their article “Media Creation of Anti-refugee Hate Speech in Facebook Comments “, Veronika Bajt and Ajda Šulc examine how the topic of migration has been presented and commented on in a period of increased migration from the Middle East, Africa and Asia to Europe. Slovenia, as a country on the Western Balkans migration route, experienced an increase in hate speech in 2015, especially on social media. An analysis of 6,545 online comments on posts by selected news media in the period 2012-2017 combines quantitative and qualitative approaches and reveals key patterns of hate speech against refugees. The authors find that the most violent comments are provoked by sensationalist articles that portray the topic of migration through the prism of deviant acts by refugees. This confirms the thesis that media coverage not only reflects but also co-creates hate speech. Digital platforms based on the attention economy further encourage the spread of negative discourses, as sensationalist content attracts more interactions and thus a greater reach.

In addition to analysing the media production of hate speech, Veronika Bajt also has a contribution in the academic monograph Compassionate Language among Youth: Linking Government, Science, Profession and Civil Society in the Search for Responses to Hate Speech, just published by Slovenia’s Office for Youth. In the chapter “Why is Hate Speech a Problem?”, she explains that freedom of expression, although necessary, is not absolute, as it is limited by respect for human dignity and human rights. The chapter distinguishes between different types of inappropriate communication and specifically highlights criminal hate speech, which involves public incitement to hatred or violence. The author points out that hate speech is not just an abstract legal concept but has serious consequences for society – from the spread of hatred and discrimination to increased polarisation and risk of violence. Political actors, decision-makers and policymakers, who are important generators of public discourse, have a key role to play in curbing hate speech. It is their responsibility to maintain a high level of tolerance and respect in public communication and to prevent the spread of prejudice and discriminatory practices.

Both publications are part of the Peace Institute’s research project Hate Speech in Contemporary Conceptualisations of Nationalism, Racism, Gender and Migration and represent an important contribution to understanding how hate speech is shaped, spread and how it can be curbed. The research clearly shows that the media and social networks are key factors in shaping public opinion, and that sensationalist reporting and aggressive political rhetoric can contribute to the escalation of hatred. It is therefore essential to promote responsible journalism, critical media literacy and a consistent commitment to human rights.