Timo Kirez
13 February 2024•Update: 13 February 2024
GENEVA
Almost one in two people in Germany have been subjected to hate language and online discrimination, according to a study published Tuesday by the German Competence Network against Hate on the Internet.
The results of the Lauter Hass - leiser Rückzug, or Loud Hate - Quiet Retreat, study were presented in Berlin in the presence of Family Minister Lisa Paus and showed that 49% of the population have been insulted online. The presentation was broadcast via livestream.
Eighty-nine percent of those surveyed said violence on the internet has increased in recent years.
Those with a visible migration background and young women are frequently affected, 30%.
Thirty-seven percent of respondents said 41% of the hate is most frequently related to political views or appearance; 57% said they feared expressing political opinions online; 55% are less likely to take part in discussions because they find reactions unpleasant, while 82% fear online hate is a threat to diversity on the internet.
According to the study, hate toward politicians, scientists, media professionals and doctors has also risen sharply online during the coronavirus pandemic.
The study shows disinformation has reached a new level since the start of a military escalation between Russia and Ukraine in February 2022.
"Hate online is unfortunately omnipresent and continues to grow," said Paus.
She described online hate as a "threat to democracy as a whole."
If fewer people express their opinions online, it undermines the culture of debate and damages democracy, she said.
"We need to do more to counter hate online at an early stage," said Paus, as she announced her intention to review laws and make necessary adjustments.
A total of 3,000 internet users, aged 16 and older, were questioned.
The study was funded by the German Federal Ministry for Family Affairs.
