Who is affected?
In principle, anyone who uses the internet and expresses themselves online can be subjected to hate speech. But not all people are affected by hate speech in the same way. For example, women, LGBTIQ* and people exposed to racism are particularly affected, and the threats of violence against them are often sexualised.
Hate speech often involves racist, sexist, anti-queer, anti-disabled and antifeminist statements. In most cases, the attacks are levelled at specific groups that tend to be targeted by discrimination and violence offline as well.
However, people who have their say in debates and, for example, stand up for the rights of minorities or take a stand against racism can also be affected.
Politicians and journalists, whose work often involves expressing their political views, are also often the target of abuse, insults and attacks.
Although hate speech occurs online, it cannot be detached from power and discriminatory behaviour in society.
In fact, hate speech also reflects discrimination against certain groups in society. One of the factors that fuels it is that perpetrators can remain anonymous. Hate speech often sets out to silence those affected, and intimidate them to such an extent that they no longer speak out publicly. Existing inequalities are reinforced, and democratic participation is impeded.
Hate speech often occurs in conjunction with other forms of violence, such as doxing.