How to deal with hate speech?

Hate speech occurs in all societies, whether offline or online. It can sometimes be hard to assess when a comment is meant as hate speech – predominantly when expressed in the virtual world. It can also feel overwhelming to try to deal with obviously hateful content.

However, you can take a stand in many ways, even if you are not personally the victim of hate speech. And you can make a difference. The following tips may be helpful.

Pause

Refrain from making any hateful comments yourself and relaying such content. Whether online or offline, we should all act responsibly to stop the spread of hate and misinformation. Check out the Unixplorian #NetLove campaign to find out why it's essential to take a moment to pause before you share content online. Learn how to do this responsibly – whether forwarding a message, writing a comment, or watching a video in your feed.

Fact-check

In the digital world, it's common to come across misinformation and harmful content, but it's relatively easy to verify content you find is reliable. To detect false and biased information, including hate speech propaganda, check the content's origin with the help of search engines, fact-checking tools, and other reliable sources. You can also download images and run them through image search tools to find where they appeared first.

React

Speak up calmly but firmly against hate speech and call it out to make clear that you disagree with the statement's content. Whenever possible, do not remain silent, even when others are targeted. When relevant, refute misinformation with facts, providing reliable sources to support your argument.

Challenge

One way to tackle hate speech is to spread your counter-speech to ensure hate is not the dominant narrative. You can undermine hateful content with positive messages that spread tolerance, equality, and truth to defend those targeted by hate.

Support

Taking a public stand for and extending solidarity to people who are the targets of hate speech demonstrates that rejecting hate is the responsibility of every individual.

Report

Most online platforms and communities have rules to keep user discussions respectful and will let you quickly report hate messages to administrators or moderators. Read social media platform guidelines and tips to protect users from harassment and hate speech. For more severe cases – which may constitute an incitement to violence, harassment, or threats prohibited by law – notify organizations fighting hate speech or file a complaint with the police (or the public prosecutor). Some countries have online tools to make reporting hate speech easier.

Educate

You can help raise awareness of hate speech - online or offline – simply by engaging with your family and friends in conversations about how hateful content can harm societies. Advocate for responsible behaviour and share public campaigns and educational resources.