Verkkoviha: Vihapuheen tuottajien ja levittäjien verkostot, toimintamuodot ja motiivit

The project examined the producers and disseminators of hate speech quantitatively (network analysis, classification of messages) and qualitatively (rhetorical and content analysis). Their practices and motives were explored through thematic interviews, internet ethnography and an online survey. We also studied the perpetrators of criminalised hate speech and their networks.
We classified producers and distributors as ideologically, affectively, and performatively motivated, based on where and how they act. These overlapping groups have distinct goals and they target different audiences. Hate speech is produced both in an organised way and spontaneously. There are few organised producers. Their audience shares their messages, multiplying their visibility. Anonymous accounts are created for single use.
While the number of hate crimes has decreased, the number of hate speech crimes has increased. Criminalised hate speech is mostly done by individuals. A small proportion of the perpetrators are highly connected and influential in far-right movements.
To reduce hate speech, we propose the following policies: produce data for research, offer support for hate speech producers and disseminators, raise awareness about hate speech practices, monitor online discussions and prevent hate speech, make social media platforms take responsibility, increase police resources, and promote dialogue.