Elections, Telegram And Hatred: What Happened To Internet?

In recent years, there has been an increase in toxicity on the Internet, especially in the context of conspiracy theories and anti -migration moods. A recent study revealed that the 2020 elections in the United States have become a powerful catalyst for the spread of hate content on a global scale.

According to researchers, the number of hatred messages increased significantly during the elections on the network, especially in relation to migration, ethnic groups and anti -Semitism. The main emphasis of such messages was on the theories of the conspiracy about the “replacement” of the population allegedly controlled by Jewish communities. The study also showed a surge of hatred dedicated to the assault on the Capitol on January 6, 2021, when in five days the number of such messages increased by 80%.

For analysis, scientists used a special “online telescopic” equipment that allows you to mapping in detail online information networks. This device made it possible to evaluate and fix sharp changes in the “Online Hatred Hate”, following its exponential growth and structural strengthening. The authors emphasize that any, even local event, can instantly provoke a wave of hatred at a global level.

During the analysis, it also turned out that the direction of online advance changes depending on political events. So, after the election of Joe Bayden, the number of anti -migration messages was almost tripled, and messages on ethnic and anti -Semitic grounds doubled. At the same time, as such communities grow, their structure becomes more and more durable, which complicates the external influence and reduces susceptibility to counterarguments.

Researchers noted the importance of not only large social networks, but also less popular platforms, such as 4Chan, GAB and Telegram. Telegram was especially highlighted, which became a kind of “knot” for the transfer of hateful links. The authors of the study warn that current measures aimed at popular platforms, such as Facebook and Twitter, will not be able to effectively reduce the level of hatred on the Internet. It is important to consider that diverse platforms play their unique roles in the spread of toxic content.

The study emphasizes the importance of the approach in which the fight against hatred is not limited to the reaction to specific events. Experts indicate that preventive measures should take into account the comprehensive nature of hatred on the network and the heterogeneity of its manifestations.

Work published in the scientific journal NPJ Complexity and is a step towards understanding how local events provoke the global spread of hatred and strengthening of communities associated with toxic content.

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