Jörg Matthes

© Barbara Mair

The fast and wide spread of the Internet revolutionised the possibilities of citizens for participation in the political discourse. However, an increasing number of downsides of the Internet are starting to show. Against this background, Jörg Matthes and his team investigate the development, spread and effect of digital hate in the DÍGIHATE project. Comparing different countries, the project focuses on offenders, bystanders and victims. Furthermore, the project does not only examine hatred towards disadvantaged groups in society, but also hatred towards persons in politics, journalism and academia. The project aims to understand why and how hate spreads and what we can do to prevent it.