Author: network

Hate Speech Operationalization: A Preliminary Examination of Hate Speech Indicators and their Structure

Hate speech could be efficiently addressed and prosecuted based on how it is operationalized, yet, according to the authors of this study, existing theoretical definitions remain insufficiently developed and difficult to apply in practice.

To address this limitation, an empirical definition of hate speech is developed with the input of interdisciplinary experts, and a set of ten indicators introduced, based on observable and measurable characteristics.

A preliminary exploratory analysis focusing on comments related to migrants shows that two indicators—denial of human rights and the promotion of violent behavior—play a central role within the network of hate speech indicators.

The practical implications of using these indicators is also discussed, particularly for the (semi-)automatic detection of hate speech through the methods of natural language processing and machine learning.

Overall, the proposed framework aims to be a pragmatic approach to hate speech assessment and detection, with potential benefits for researchers, educators, human rights advocates, analysts, and regulators seeking more operable and measurable definitions of hate speech.

Learn more about this study here: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40747-021-00561-0

Reference

Papcunová, J., Martončik, M., Fedáková, D., Kentoš, M., Bozogáňová, M., Srba, I., Moro, R., Pikuliak, M., Šimko, M., & Adamkovič, M. (2023). Hate speech operationalization: A preliminary examination of hate speech indicators and their structure. Complex & Intelligent Systems, 9(3), 2827–2842

2021-10-11
Resiliences to Radicalization: Four Key Perspectives
As the idea of resilience to radicalization has become key in policymaking for the prevention of violent extremism, the way in which this resilience is understood by frontline workers is important to understand.

In light of this, the authors conducted a Q-methodology study, which identified diverse views, but four main perspectives stand out on resilience to radicalization amongst policy-makers and practitioners in Belgium, the Netherlands, and the UK:
- “being free to express and explore diverse ideas and values”;
- “being critical and acting against injustice”;
- “being flexible and adapting to social norms”;
- or “being robust and closely connected to others”;
These perspectives were examined in context of the broader debates around both resilience and radicalization, and the extent to which the divergences matter for collaboration was considered. The bottom line is that it is a fact that making these implicit ideas explicit may enable a more open discussion amongst policy makers on common points and divergences to further knowledge.

Learn more about this study here: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijlcj.2021.100486

Reference

Stephens, W., & Sieckelinck, S. (2021). Resiliences to radicalization: Four key perspectives. International Journal of Law, Crime and Justice, 66, 100486
2021-09-30
Understanding Changes in Violent Extremist Attitudes During the Transition to Early Adulthood

In this study, changes in support for violent extremism during the transition from late adolescence to early adulthood were investigated, a period that may either increase vulnerability to radicalization or promote maturation and prosocial development.

Using longitudinal data from a cohort study in Zürich, Switzerland (n = 910), the research investigates how and why violent extremist attitudes change between the ages of 17 and 20 using the Reliable Change Index. Second, hybrid regression techniques were used to investigate to what extent theoretically relevant factors can explain between- and within-individual differences in violent extremist attitudes.

Results show that violent extremism attitudes are largely stable or declining during this period. Within-individual changes in low self-control, conflict coping skills, and peer disapproval of violence help explain these shifts. The findings also suggest that increases in psychosocial maturity, stronger prosocial peer bonds, and reduced deviant behavior are associated with lower support for violent extremism.

Learn more about this study here: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10940-021-09522-9

Reference

Nivette, A., Echelmeyer, L., Weerman, F., Eisner, M., & Ribeaud, D. (2022). Understanding Changes in Violent Extremist Attitudes During the Transition to Early Adulthood. Journal of quantitative criminology, 38(4), 949–978

2021-07-08
Former Extremists in Radicalization and Counter-Radicalization Research
In this article, the authors examine how in past studies related to radicalization and counter-radicalization the experiences of former extremists have been used to inform the understanding of such issues.

For this purpose, empirical research on radicalization and counter-radicalization that incorporates formers in the research designs was synthetized, specially in regard to how some common patterns in the formers experiences recur and are expressed:
- extremist precursors;
- radicalization toward extremist violence;
- leaving violent extremism;
- combating violent extremism.
Overall, this article provides researchers, practitioners, and policymakers with an in-depth account of how formers have informed radicalization and counter-radicalization research in recent years as well as an overview of some of the key gaps in the empirical literature, and while analysis results show how former extremists have been a valuable source of information in the comprehension of these phenomena, this area of empirical research remains in its infancy and requires further investigation.

Learn more about study here: https://doi.org/10.1108/S1521-613620200000025012

Reference

Scrivens, R., Windisch, S., & Simi, P. (2020). FORMER EXTREMISTS IN RADICALIZATION AND COUNTER-RADICALIZATION RESEARCH. Sociology of Crime Law and Deviance, 25, 209–224
2020-11-30
Hate Speech Epidemic. The Dynamic Effects of Derogatory Language on Intergroup Relations and Political Radicalization

In this article, the way how exposure to derogatory language targeting immigrants and minority groups contributes to political radicalization and deteriorates intergroup relations is discussed.

The psychological processes underlying both the effects of hate speech and its proliferation in contemporary societies are considered, as well as the factors that may constrain its growth.

The authors argue that frequent exposure to hate speech has profound emotional, behavioral, and normative consequences. Empathy is gradually replaced by intergroup contempt, which both motivates and results from derogatory language. As hate speech becomes more prevalent, it creates a descriptive norm that legitimizes outgroup derogation, leading to the erosion of existing antidiscriminatory norms. In addition, repeated exposure produces desensitization, reducing individuals’ ability to recognize the offensive nature of such language.

Drawing on empirical evidence from social psychology and the psychology of emotion and aggression, a model is proposed to explain these processes and explores its dynamics using an agent-based modeling approach. It is shown that mechanisms that could limit the spread of hate speech, such as empathy and social norms, are themselves weakened by continued exposure.

Concluding remarks point out that these psychological dynamics contribute to greater societal acceptance of derogatory language and increased hostility toward immigrants and religious, ethnic, and sexual minorities.

Learn more about this study here: https://doi.org/10.1111/pops.12670

Reference

Bilewicz, M. and Soral, W. (2020), Hate Speech Epidemic. The Dynamic Effects of Derogatory Language on Intergroup Relations and Political Radicalization. Political Psychology, 41: 3-33

2020-06-19
Prevalence and Psychological Effects of Hateful Speech in Online College Communities

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and impact of hateful speech within college communities, where such speech can have particularly harmful psychological and social consequences.

Regulating hateful speech on college campuses raises complex socio-political challenges, making it essential to assess both how widespread the phenomenon is and how it affects students’ psychological well-being.

Focusing on the online dimension of campus life, a dataset of approximately six million Reddit comments shared across 174 college-related communities was analyzed.

To measure the prevalence of hateful speech, the authors introduce the College Hate Index (CHX), which is used to examine the distribution of hateful speech across categories such as behavior, class, disability, ethnicity, gender, physical appearance, race, religion, and sexual orientation. A causal inference framework is then applied to investigate the psychological effects of exposure to hateful speech, particularly through expressions of online stress.

The analysis also explored differences in psychological endurance by examining language use, discriminatory keywords, and personality traits.

Findings showed that hateful speech is prevalent in online college communities, with around 25% of college subreddits exhibiting higher levels of hateful speech than non-college subreddits. Exposure to hateful content was associated with increased stress expression, although individuals were not affected equally. Students with lower psychological endurance appear more vulnerable to emotional outbursts and exhibit higher levels of neuroticism compared to those with greater resilience.

Learn more about this study here: https://doi.org/10.1145/3292522.3326032

Reference

Saha, K., Chandrasekharan, E., & De Choudhury, M. (2019). Prevalence and Psychological Effects of Hateful Speech in Online College Communities. Proceedings of the … ACM Web Science Conference. ACM Web Science Conference, 2019, 255–264

2019-06-26