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Abstract
Our time is marked by a resurgence of hate that threatens to increase oppression. Social media has contributed to this by acting as a medium through which hate speech is spread. How should we model the spread of hate? This article considers two models. First, I consider a simple contagion model. In this model, hate spreads like a virus through a social network. This model, however, fails to capture the fact that people do not acquire hatred from a single infectious contact. Instead, it builds up in a person's beliefs and attitudes through time until the infection reaches a level where the subject themselves becomes a generator of hate speech. Second, to accommodate this, I consider an alternative model known as complex contagion. I argue that not only is a complex contagion model more explanatory and predictive, but it can be used to explain why certain features of social media cause it to be a promoter of hate. I conclude by sketching some mitigation strategies.
Original language | English |
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Journal | Journal of applied philosophy |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 25 Jul 2023 |
Research Beacons, Institutes and Platforms
- Policy@Manchester
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Dive into the research topics of 'Online Hate: Is Hate an Infectious Disease? Is Social Media a Promoter?'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.Activities
- 1 Participating in a conference, workshop, exhibition, performance, inquiry, course etc
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Public Accounts Committee: Inquiry on Preparedness for online safety Regulation
Popa-Wyatt, M. (Other)
27 Jul 2023 → 21 Feb 2024Activity: Participating in or organising event(s) › Participating in a conference, workshop, exhibition, performance, inquiry, course etc › Research