Hate speech and abusive behaviour on social media

<p>The adverse societal impacts of social media platforms comprise a subject of global concern given that this digital technology has become a breeding ground for the manifestation of varied forms of online harassment and abuse. Yet most studies exploring this phenomenon have done so predominantly in Anglophone social contexts (notably the US and the UK).</p><p><br></p><p>Thus the present work examines hate speech and abusive behaviour adopting an innovative cross-cultural perspective. To this end the book analyses a sample of 108 scholarly papers originally published in three non-hegemonic languages (Italian Portuguese and Spanish) and encompassing 11 countries (Argentina Brazil Colombia Costa Rica Ecuador El Salvador Italy Mexico Peru Portugal and Spain).</p><p><br></p><p>In this context the development of this study highlights the relevance of considering cultural historical and linguistic factors when analysing hate speech and abusive behaviour on social media. By confronting and evaluating findings from different countries and languages the study sheds light on how cultural norms and language use shape the manifestation and impact of online harassment and abuse.</p><p><br></p><p>Besides the study also reveals that social media plays the pivotal dual role of catalyst and vehicle for disseminating hate and abuse. As such they can bring a series of adverse societal impacts upon individuals vulnerable social groups society and democracy. Ultimately social media platforms allow offenders the capability to unleash and disseminate aggressive and discriminatory ideologies attracting numerous like-minded people to subvert and disregard any social convention constraints and norms of conviviality. Consequently one of social media's most significant negative impacts is the undermining of social cohesion.</p><p><br></p><p>Therefore the present book is of interest to students established scholars and researchers in various disciplines including sociology criminology media and communication studies and digital humanities. Moreover it is recommended reading for policymakers leaders of non-governmental organisations educators journalists and anyone interested in learning more about social media's impacts on people's lives.</p>