The Psychology Of Online Hate: Does The Internet Make Us Hostile?
Access to mobile phones, social networks and online communication has encouraged the generation of new ways of relating. Under the personality that we have and adapt to the networks, we constantly share information and content with other people. In digital spaces, a type of online society is generated that operates under other social rules and communication styles.
The dark side of the Internet is determined by anonymity and digital identities through which we can hide characteristics of our personality, or generate other non-existent ones. Anonymity gives free rein to people who want to harm others, since this feeling of unreality generates a feeling of protection in these people. Thus, the debate about hate on the Internet begins to arise and whether the feeling of “not existing” online reinforces the issuance of criticism without consequences.
In this article we will focus on the topic of hate on the Internet trying to answer the main question of whether these digital spaces generate a false sense of protection under which some people choose hostile attitudes towards other people.
Digital environments and the normalization of hate
The Internet has been a revolutionary tool that has transformed the way we communicate and share information. The anonymous and depersonalized nature of online interaction has allowed hate to spread with unprecedented ease.
The digital age has provided a space in which free expression is celebrated, but it has also opened the door to an alarming increase in hate speech online. The feeling of anonymity that the Internet offers can lead to a lack of inhibition in the way people communicate When there are no visible or immediate consequences for words and actions online, some people may feel more inclined to express their emotions in extreme ways, which can lead to negative and hostile interactions.
Additionally, the accessibility and speed of online communication have led to the rapid spread of hateful content. What starts as a negative comment on a post can turn into a chain of hostile responses in a matter of minutes. This phenomenon of hate contagion can normalize and reinforce hostile attitudes, creating a negative cycle of online interaction.
The spread of hate online not only affects individuals, but can also have a significant impact on society as a whole. Online spaces that are filled with hate speech can erode social cohesion and make constructive dialogue between groups with divergent opinions difficult.
This dynamic can lead to the fragmentation of society and the formation of echo chambers in which people interact primarily with those who share their views, thus limiting exposure to different perspectives.
Psychological factors of online hate
The expression of hate on the Internet cannot be understood solely as the manifestation of people’s inherent hostility; It is also influenced by a series of psychological factors that operate from the digital environments themselves.
1. Anonymity
The anonymity offered by the Internet generates a feeling of protection that generates greater likelihood of expressing extreme opinions or even harmful ones that you probably wouldn’t utter in face-to-face situations.
Directly related to anonymity, the phenomenon of “online disinhibition” describes how the lack of immediate and tangible consequences in the online world can lead to a decrease in social and moral inhibitions. People may feel less inhibited in expressing their anger, hatred, or prejudice because they do not experience the direct emotional and social reactions they would in an in-person interaction.
3. Normalization of hate
Constant exposure to hate speech can have a normalizing effect. The more we encounter certain types of content online, the more likely we are to view them as socially acceptable or even desirable This can lead to a gradual adaptation of hostile and prejudiced attitudes, as these behaviors become more common and normalized in the online environment.
4. Virality
The viral nature of the Internet also contributes to the spread of hate online. An offensive comment can be shared and spread in a matter of seconds, reaching a much wider audience than it could have reached in a face-to-face conversation. This amplification can magnify the impact of hate speech and increase its visibility in the public sphere.
How online hate should be addressed
As we recognize the increasing prevalence and negative impact of online hate, there is a need to proactively and effectively address this issue. While there is no single solution to completely eradicate online hate, There are strategies that can help mitigate its effects and promote a more respectful and constructive digital culture
1. Digital literacy education
Promoting digital literacy is essential for people to understand the implications of their actions online. This includes educating people about the importance of verifying information, respecting diversity of opinion, and recognizing the consequences of their words and actions online.
Empathy is key to countering online hate. People should strive to understand the perspectives of others and treat others with respect, even in virtual environments. Practicing empathy can help prevent misunderstandings and contribute to a kinder online environment.
3. Implement stricter online policies
Online platforms play a fundamental role in regulating content and conduct in their spaces. Enforcing clear policies against hate speech and cracking down on those who violate these policies can discourage the proliferation of hate online.
4. Encourage constructive dialogue
Promote respectful and constructive dialogue, even among people with divergent opinions, can help counter polarization and reduce online hostility. Platforms can design features that encourage meaningful discussions and discourage unproductive confrontation.
5. Promote personal responsibility
Each individual has a responsibility to contribute to a more positive online environment. Encouraging people to think before they comment, share content thoughtfully, and consider the consequences of their actions can make a significant difference.
