Hate: the most destructive feeling that became normalized on the internet

Internet hate got out of control a long time ago. The access to mobile phones, social networks and online communication has led to the emergence of new ways of relating. Through the personality we project on the networks, we constantly share information and content with others. In the digital sphere, virtual communities are created that operate under different social norms and communication styles.

However, the negative side of the Internet manifests itself through anonymity and digital identities, which allow us to hide aspects of our personality or even create fictitious facets. This anonymity can free those who wish to do harm, since the feeling of unreality gives them a false sense of security. Thus, the debate arises about online hatred and whether the perception of "not existing" in the digital environment reinforces the tendency to issue criticism without facing consequences.

A normalized destructive feeling

The Internet has been a transformative tool that has radically changed the way we communicate and share information. The anonymous and depersonalized nature of online interactions has facilitated the spread of hate in an unprecedented way.

The digital age has created an environment where free expression is valued, but it has also allowed an alarming increase in hate speech on the internet. The anonymity provided by the Internet can foster a lack of inhibitions in communication. When words and actions online do not carry visible or immediate consequences, some people may feel more likely to express their emotions in extreme ways, which can result in negative and hostile interactions.

Extreme ease

The ease and speed of digital communication have led to the rapid dissemination of hostile content. A simple negative comment on a post can trigger a series of aggressive responses in a matter of minutes. This phenomenon of spreading hatred can normalize and strengthen belligerent attitudes, generating a harmful cycle of online interactions.

The proliferation of hate in the digital environment not only impacts people, but can also have significant consequences for society as a whole. Virtual spaces invaded by hate speech can weaken social cohesion and hinder constructive dialogue between groups with different opinions.

This situation can result in the fragmentation of society and the creation of specific groups, where people relate mainly to those who share their beliefs, thus limiting their exposure to other perspectives.

The privacy provided by the Internet creates a sense of security that increases the possibility of sharing extreme or even harmful opinions, which would probably not be expressed in in-person interactions.

The viral nature of the Internet plays a crucial role in spreading hate online. A derogatory comment can be shared and spread in a matter of seconds, reaching a much wider audience than would be possible in a personal interaction. This amplification can intensify the effect of hate speech and raise its visibility in the public sphere.

The phenomenon of disinhibition in the digital environment refers to how the absence of immediate and palpable consequences in the virtual realm can result in a reduction of both social and moral inhibitions. In this context, individuals may feel more free to express their anger, hatred or prejudice, since they do not face the direct emotional and social reactions that would occur in a face-to-face interaction.

Final words

Continuous exposure to hate speech can lead to a process of normalization. As we repeatedly come across certain types of content on the network, we are more likely to consider them socially acceptable or even desirable. This phenomenon can result in a progressive adaptation of hostile and prejudiced attitudes, since these behaviors become more frequent and are integrated into the digital environment.

Promoting digital literacy is essential for individuals to understand the repercussions of their behaviors in the digital environment. This includes education on the relevance of validating information, valuing the diversity of perspectives and being aware of the consequences that may result from their expressions and actions online.

Every person has a duty to foster a more constructive digital environment. Encouraging users to reflect before expressing their opinions, to share content consciously and to evaluate the repercussions of their actions can generate a considerable impact.