Hate Speech in the Network – How to Cope with It?

Hate is a social phenomenon that has gained particular attention in recent years. It stems from deprecation, a desire for dominance, or hatred towards individuals or groups. This phenomenon extends beyond mere words, encompassing memes and altered photos and recordings.

On February 25th, 2023, a policewoman from the Brodnica police station visited I Liceum Ogólnokształcące in Brodnica to conduct a lecture on hate and hate speech. The meeting's primary goal was to encourage students to mutual respect and tolerance.

Hate, often identified with hate speech, can lead to serious consequences not only among youth but also adults. The policewoman emphasized how easy access for young people to social networks exacerbates issues related to cyberbullying. Many individuals targeted by hate do not cope with this burden and may fall into depression, which in extreme cases leads to suicidal thoughts.

It is essential to remember that online hate is not anonymous and can have long-term effects. Students were encouraged to reflect on the importance of being responsible internet users.