Project

HatemediaReligion

Elias Said-Hung

DOI: 10.26303/t288-y742

What is it about?

The project undertakes a systematic mapping of religious hate speech spread via major Spanish digital news media on the social network X.

Why is it important?

Mapping religious hate speech in digital media contexts is of paramount importance for several reasons. First, the research addresses significant gaps in both academic and practical understanding, notably by not only describing the phenomenon but also by exposing the patterns and strategies enabling its spread. Recent national data shows a marked increase in hate crime reports related to religious beliefs in Spain, highlighting the urgency for targeted interventions. The outputs of the project are designed to inform public policy, support human rights advocacy, guide media moderation practices, and inspire educational initiatives promoting intercultural tolerance. By furnishing empirical evidence and engaging with the complex intersections of ideology, media discourse, and religious diversity, the project seeks to contribute toward the prevention of stereotyping, discrimination, and polarization—thereby fostering social cohesion and respect for pluralism.

Perspectives

The project builds directly on previous lines of inquiry into digital hate and diversity, integrating methodological innovation with practical applications. Its interdisciplinary nature—spanning digital communication, sociology, computer science, and education—enhances both the breadth and depth of analysis, and fosters collaborations with other academics and practitioners. Personally, being part of an initiative that not only seeks to diagnose a serious social problem but also aims to empower affected groups and inform more inclusive public policies aligns organically with a commitment to social justice, academic rigor, and evidence-based advocacy. In sum, the project stands as both a scientific contribution and a call to civic responsibility, harnessing research to help shape a more respectful and tolerant digital public sphere.

Prof. Elias Said-Hung

Universidad Internacional de La Rioja

Audience briefings3 total

  • Policy briefing

    Policy Strategies for Countering Religious Hate Speech: Evidence from Digital Media Analysis in Spain

    This project provides actionable evidence for policymakers and civil society leaders by mapping religious hate speech across major Spanish digital news outlets on X. Employing rigorous quantitative and qualitative methodologies, the research uncovers patterns of dissemination, thematic focuses, and key user behaviors driving intolerance online. Results underscore the need for targeted policy responses—such as improved moderation strategies, stakeholder education, and intersectoral collaboration—to mitigate the adverse impacts on groups affected by digital hate and strengthen norms of inclusion, respect, and religious diversity in Spanish society.

  • Press briefing

    Mapping Religious Hate Speech on Social Media: New Research Reveals Patterns and Risks in Spanish Digital News

    A pioneering research project led by Universidad Internacional de La Rioja systematically examines the spread of religious hate speech in Spanish digital news media accounts on the X platform. By collecting and analyzing thousands of public messages, the study reveals how intolerance targeting religious groups is influenced by the ideological orientation of major media outlets and highlights the role played by influential user accounts in driving these narratives. The findings provide urgent insights into rising trends of religious hate crime and propose new pathways for responsible media coverage, aiming to foster greater societal understanding and respect for pluralism.

  • Educator briefing

    Mapping Digital Religious Hate Speech: Analyzing Patterns and Impacts in Spanish Media

    This project investigates the presence and dissemination of religious hate speech across leading Spanish digital news media on the X platform, employing both computational and manual data analysis methods to map key terms, topics, and user behaviors. By systematically collecting and coding messages over a defined period, the research identifies the main forms and intensities of hate targeting religious groups, highlights the influence of different media ideological orientations, and examines the strategies used by top hate-spreading accounts. The resulting insights serve a dual purpose: advancing academic knowledge about digital intolerance and providing actionable recommendations for educators, policymakers, and social organizations concerned with promoting diversity, inclusion, and responsible digital citizenship in Spain.

Resources29 total

Who is involved?