New Research Initiative Sheds Light on the Impact of Digital Hate Speech
In a world where digital hate speech continues to persist, a pioneering research initiative by Jana N. and Oliver Niebuhr has recently published a groundbreaking book by Springer Verlag. The research delves into the profound effects of hate speech on individuals and society.
Titled "Understanding Digital Hate Speech: Implications for Everyday Life and Well-being," the book addresses critical questions surrounding hate speech and explores the nuances and implications of its various forms. By examining the impact of hate speech on individuals' biosignals and considering the influence of solitude on its severity, the research seeks to shed light on the complex dynamics of this pervasive issue.
The significance of this research lies in exploring the spoken vs. written part of the variation of the intensity of hate speech perception, and the profound physiological and psychological repercussions endured by those subjected to it.
"Digital hate speech poses significant challenges to our societies, and it is crucial to understand its multifaceted nature and the effects it has on individuals," says Associate Professor Oliver Niebuhr, co-author and researcher at the Centre for Industrial Electronics.
So, the research can help define in a more precise and differentiated way where the boundary should be between hate speech and no hate speech.
The team's findings, presented in the recently released book, have been extensively discussed in the 12th edition of the "Tuwort" podcast. Listeners can gain comprehensive knowledge about the research questions and their potential implications for improving the quality of daily life.
"Understanding the impact of hate speech is a vital step towards creating a safer and more harmonious digital environment," emphasized Oliver Niebuhr.
"By exploring the intricate relationship between hate speech and our well-being, we hope to drive positive change and foster empathy and understanding."
Talking about that: Did you know Danes are harsher against Muslims than Germans regarding hate speech online? On the other hand, new research shows that Germans are worse off when it comes to foreigners in general. The study can help policymakers define hate speech and create algorithms that are better at spotting and eliminating hate comments on social media.
You can read more about that here: https://via.ritzau.dk/pressemeddelelse/hate-speech-danes-are-harsher-against-muslims-online-than-germans?publisherId=12056383&releaseId=13636403