Citizens' Media Practices in the Face of Online Hate Speech

Abstract

This article presents a novel perspective on online hate speech, framing it as a discursive weapon strategically deployed by political actors, particularly on the far right, that civil society can politically contest. It focuses on studying citizens' media practices as potential collective responses enacted by networked publics. Drawing on qualitative interviews with activists and communication and law professionals, the study pinpoints four key practices: identifying and assessing hate communications, making and sustaining personal connections, envisioning and spreading alternative narratives, and promoting changes on the media channels. Each one involves strategic decision-making—such as whether to engage in counterspeech or opt for tactical silence, use hegemonic or peripheral frames, or act publicly or behind the scenes. While counterdiscourse is essential for challenging hate, it may inadvertently reinforce hatemongers' strategies if not critically framed. In digital contexts, where far-right actors exploit audience outrage for visibility, tactical silence emerges as a deliberate alternative. Also, some behind-the-scenes actions—such as citizen-led efforts to influence advertisers to discourage the unintended funding of hatred—seem promising. The findings suggest that transitioning collective action from immediate problem-solving to aligned strategic actions sustained over time may increase communicative resilience in the face of hate speech, opening paths for future research and action on how networked citizens can increase capacity building to defend pluralism and democracy.