Is Social Media a Catalyst for Hate Speech?

st279916@ohio.edu
Samantha Taylor

Before explaining my opinions on the issue of social media in relation to hate speech, I must first make clear what hate speech is by definition. Hate speech is abusive or threatening speech/writing that expresses prejudice against a particular group, especially on the basis of race, religion, or sexual orientation. I must also include what is stated by the First Amendment of the United States: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise of thereof; or abridging an establishment of free speech, or of the press; or the right of the people to peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances."

Youtube Guidelines on Hate Speech: https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2801939?hl=en

As we know, social media is growing every day, as people are eager to stay connected with their loved ones, friends, celebrities, politicians, brands and more. This growing amount of users on social media platforms inherently creates a space of diverse viewpoints and opinionated voices. Though, this isn't either good or bad; it is both. We see amazing things happen online every day, but what is related to this topic is the negative, hateful ways speech is being used online.

Why do People Take Part in Hate Speech Online?
Oftentimes, communicating online is found to be much simpler than communicating with someone face to face. One of the biggest factors in online communication, in relation to hate speech, is the idea of anonymity. People can easily hide their true identity online, which enables them to express their negative thoughts onto others with more ease. This is especially important because they cannot be responsible for their actions unless investigated thoroughly. Another idea that enables hate speech online is the idea of asynchronicity, or the ability to have ample amounts of time to think about your response before you engage online. Having more time, hate speech abusers online can form messages that are harmful, and permanent that can stain and shame another person.

Social Media and Hate Speech
With major social channels such as Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and Instagram, regulations need to be put into place to ensure the safety of the public. Not only are there adults on social channels online, but children as well-- who are the most vulnerable online population there is. According to Twitter, their hate speech conduct states: "You may not promote violence against, threaten, or harass other people on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, religious affiliation, age, disability, or serious disease." while Instagram, Facebook, and Youtube have their own conducts and explain what exactly constitutes something as hate speech. Although these communities put guidelines into place, they are not always being followed by users, which puts the people in the public at risk of being targeted.

Now What?
I believe that as social media grows, all community guidelines should be updated regularly and truly put into action by social media providers. Although there are controversies on what constitutes something as hate speech and free speech, there has to be a line drawn. The only way people begin to learn that hate speech will not be tolerated is by witnessing these social media companies retaliate against hate speech users online.