How to respond to online hate speech?
Hateful, racist, homophobic... comments on the internet: you've probably come across them. Many people try to simply ignore these messages but actually, it’s better to take action. By tackling hate speech together, hate does not become normalised. How should you respond to it? Here’s what you need to know.
Report the message on social media
Anyone who creates a profile on social networks formally agrees to the terms of use of the social network (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok or X).
The social networks have a commitment to remove posts that violate their terms of use. Unfortunately, this does not happen automatically. So, it’s important that you report hateful or discriminatory posts. Based on your report, the social networks may decide to take posts offline or even temporarily or permanently block a profile.
How do you report hate speech?
Each platform has its own way of reporting:
Ask the page administrator or moderator to remove the post
- Most pages, for example Facebook pages for newspapers, have a moderator who keeps an eye on things.
- The administrator is responsible for what is posted on the page and therefore also for the comments on the page.
- The administrator can take posts offline and can give users a warning or block their access.
Are you reading hateful or discriminatory posts? Then contact the administrator and ask for them to be removed. What if you receive no response? Then report the post to Unia. If legal action can be taken against the post then, Unia can intervene.
Respond to hate speech online
Reporting hateful messages and requesting their removal is essential to fight against them. But unfortunately, that is not enough. So how can you go further? For example, you can express your disagreement with a post or status update. These tips can help you:
- Rather than attacking the author, denounce the content of the statement.
- Refute false truths where possible using factual evidence. Refer to reliable sources.
- Express your disbelief and disgust, but don't start a ping-pong discussion or smear campaign in which insults fly back and forth.
- Be aware that some messages are sent out into the world to provoke. So don't be tempted to let your emotions get the better of you. Keep calm and make a factual statement.
Be aware of algorithmic bias
If you are about to respond to hateful comments on social media, be aware of algorithmic bias. The more a post is liked, shared, or commented on, the more the algorithms consider it interesting and engaging. Reacting to hate speech may actually increase its popularity and spread it more quickly across platforms.
Practice counter-speech
If you want to avoid a direct and isolated response, which in some cases might seem counterproductive, know that there are other approaches, such as using counter-speech or alternative discourse.
These practices aim to spread the best responses to online hate speech, such as:
- Discrediting dangerous messages.
- Using humour.
- Amplifying alternative views.
- Promoting empathy and education.
Entire communities have been organized around these practices to increase their impact. Their strategies and motivations vary, but they all share a common goal: to counter online hate.
Do you manage or moderate a group or page?
As a moderator or administrator of a page, account or group on social media, you are responsible for moderating comments and reactions. The law prohibits creating a discussion space (such as a Facebook group) that serves to spread hate speech.
5 tips for moderators on social media
- Take inspiration from the Tools for social media managers (an initiative of Hier Niet - only french or dutch).
- Decide on a moderation policy and post it on your page/account. Read Unia's Facebook house rules.
- Delete or hide hateful comments.
- Like the constructive and positive posts, this will give them more visibility.
- Block people who repeatedly break the rules of your policy.
Report hate speech to Unia
Are the hateful messages very serious, or are you the victim? File a complaint with the police and report it to Unia.
We ask you to send a link to the message and a screenshot of the message and its context. Otherwise, we cannot analyse it properly.
We will investigate whether the statements fall under the legal provisions of free speech. Does it constitute criminal hate speech? If so, we may take further action.
Related content
Cyberhate
Cyberhate refers to hate speech that is discriminatory or degrading, spread via the internet and expressed through racist, homophobic, sexist, etc., remarks.
What is hate speech?
Hate speech consists of statements that attack or insult a person or group. Such statements are punishable by law if they exceed the legal limits of freedom of speech.
What does Unia do against online hate speech?
At Unia, we combat criminal hate speech in a variety of ways for the protected features for which we have jurisdiction. Find out more details about our approach to hate speech.