You want to stop hate on the net? Then you have a great attitude and you've come to the right place! You may have been a victim of hate speech yourself or simply have the feeling that the tone on the internet has become much harsher and increasingly offensive.
Fortunately, there are ways and means to counteract this madness in the long term.
In this article, I will show you what you can do to combat cruel online hate. Use the following ideas and measures to take an active stand against hate comments, bullying and insults on the internet. Let's go!
For info: This post may seem a little off-topic to you! But it is particularly close to my heart. And since the way we treat our fellow human beings is also part of the sustainable development of our society, there is indeed a connection to the topic Sustainability.
What is Hate Speech and why is it a problem?
The Duden defines hate speech as "Hate-spreading way of speaking or writing" as well as "Speech containing hate messages„.
However, it is generally also a generic term for the social phenomenon of group-related misanthropy and incitement to hatred on the internet, where there are always perpetrators and victims. Whether on Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, WhatsApp or Facebook: Perpetrators insult, threaten, attack and incite even more hatred, while the backlash from victims often fuels the hatred all the more.
There are now even Organized hatred, the for example, stir up and spread right-wing networksto silence their victims.1 Nowadays, the perpetrators usually get away with it because only a few victims press charges or the police do not have sufficient resources available.
The State Media Authority NRW found in a study of 1010 Internet users over the age of 14 that 73 percent of them have already read hate speech and hate comments have2
Hate on the net is therefore a widespread, social problem and a form of psychological violenceThe consequences for those affected can include depression, sleep disorders and even suicide.
What to do against hate on the net? 10 tips & ideas
Unfortunately, there are always insults on the Internet that we would never put up with when meeting in public, nor would we allow other people to ignore. But on the net, these hate attacks are often tolerated - with fatal consequences for their victims.
I hope that with the following tips I can help to ensure that the A friendlier culture of conversation on the Internet again and we can stop the hate online.
1. do not ignore the hatred
We probably agree that it is simply ignoring hate comments cannot be a solution. At the same time, fierce resistance unfortunately often sparks even fiercer hate attacks and insults, because that's exactly what the perpetrators are waiting for.
But not disagreeing and not standing up against it strengthens Internet trolls and other haters only more so. The risk of hate speech developing into a "normal" tone of voice on the web is then simply too great.
No matter whether you are affected yourself or someone else: Ignorance is worse than hate.
Book Tip: I took some of the tips from this article from the book "Hate on the net: What we can do against hate speech, bullying and lies" by Ingrid Brodnig. Feel free to use it as further reading. If you like, get it here*.
2. take the respective platform to task
The platforms are jointly responsible for a civilized exchange of their users, but they cannot always recognize and remove hate comments or threats as soon as they are made.
Therefore you should always report hateful videos, comments or postings directly to the operator and demand action. For this, it is best to also describe the respective incident.
3. counter the hate with positive comments
If we want to stop hate online, we have to support its victims and show solidarity. So if you see a hate comment, then just counter him with a "love comment".. True to the motto: Be the change you want to see on the Internet 😉.
Notice: The Original quote from Mahatma Gandhi I have modified it a little here. You can find more valuable sayings by the Indian freedom fighter in the linked article.
4. support the supporters
There can't be enough love spread on the Internet. So when someone who has been confronted with hate speech receives support, it doesn't hurt to share that to confirm and also add a few nice and uplifting words.
5. never respond to hate with hate
Hate can never be the solution. Accordingly, you should not be tempted to react with hatred or violence as well. Otherwise, the "hater" will suddenly get support from other users that he/she doesn't deserve.
Normally, we flee and freeze when confronted with verbal violence or go on the attack ourselves. Fortunately, our own Train reaction to derailments and hate on the Internetso that it simply bounces off you and you can react in a considered way. I think that this article will give you the tips you need.
6. report your experiences and observations to organizations
Reporting hate comments to specific organizations leads to faster deletion. Aside from taking direct action against hate speech, the reported data of countless victims can be used to improve the To make visible the extent of the problem.
Hate must prosecuted, cleared up and prevented become. And for this it is important to know who it is directed against and who it comes from.
Here are some Contact pointsto which you should report experiences of hate on the Internet:
- Federal Criminal Police Office (Hotline for Hate on the Net)
- Hatereport.com
- Hate-on-the-web.info
7. seek help from others
Insults and threats can be a real burden. In any case, talk to others about it and seek targeted help. Explain the incident to your friends and relatives and ask them for advice.
In addition, even the most Exchange in forums and Facebook groups To remedy the situation. Because not all people are hateful. There are more victims than perpetrators - and more good people than bad.
Important Notice: If the often aggressive and hateful atmosphere or personal insults and threats in the comment columns are causing you a lot of psychological stress, then Reduce your screen time something and don't be afraid to start therapy.
8. realize that you are not the source of hatred
It is important to understand: You are only the trigger that causes the perpetrator's hatred to be unleashed on you. The real problem takes place in the minds of the perpetratorswho feel triggered by a certain statement or a certain external characteristic or behavior. This fact should help you deal with more incriminating comments.
"He who makes others next to him small will never be great." (Johann Gottfried Seume)
I have put together a collection of other inspiring Quotes Against Hate compiled)
9. set the limits yourself
You don't have to isolate yourself! Just show your community or other people online, where the boundaries areto create a pleasant, fair and goal-oriented discussion climate.
Many platforms make it possible, for example, Block comments with specific, offensive terms.
If you are an influencer yourself or another Public figure on the Internet then you should use these opportunities to combat hate speech and the consequences of psychological violence.
A tip by the way: Did you actually know how to surfing the internet more sustainably can? You can learn it in the linked article!
10. raise awareness of the problem in our society
Verbal and psychological violence online is a massive problem in our fortunately evolving society. But in order to solve it, we all need to understand that it is a a serious problem is.
We should therefore also talk about it with our families and friends, write informative blog posts and Sign online petitions, who draw attention to hate on the Internet and actively campaign against it.
Start right away and support the Campact petition "Stop hate speech online!".
Stop hate on the net by not looking away
Agitators benefit from the Anonymity of social networks - But anonymity also has its good sides. The solution to the problem is not simply to ignore internet trolls and haters, but to stand up to them.
Because in the end, the good and emphatic people in the majority - They just have to make themselves heard loudly.
"Hatred is the coward's revenge for being intimidated."
George Bernard Shaw (more at Hate Quotes)
I would like to take this opportunity to once again recommend this book as further reading: "Hate on the net: What we can do against hate speech, bullying and lies" by Ingrid Brodnig. Here you get the book*.
I hope that I have been able to help you and perhaps other people too.
Do you have any questions, suggestions or your own experiences that you would like to share? Then just write me a friendly comment under this post 😉
Stay clean,
PS: Violence is never a solution! Did you know that you can also vegan against violence can be? I'll show you why in the linked article.
