Hate & propaganda

The spread of hate, harassment and fake news on social media has become a daily occurrence. In times of crisis in particular, people seem to be susceptible to conspiracy myths and anti-Semitic and racist online messages. Those who spread such myths and ideologies, in turn, exploit crises to polarize societies and weaken their institutions. In doing so, they make use of the functional logic of social media and the opportunities for manipulation associated with it.

How do democratically elected governments respond to these developments? What measures do they take, and are their responses to the strategies of extremist groups appropriate, or do they themselves undermine the principles of the rule of law and democracy? Our researchers are seeking answers to these and other questions.