Hate Speech Recognition: The Role of Empathy and Awareness of Social Media Influence

Abstract

RICONOSCIMENTO DELL’HATE SPEECH: IL RUOLO DELL’EMPATIA E DELLA CONSAPEVOLEZZA DELL’INFLUENZA DEI SOCIAL MEDIA Abstract Hate speech occurs within democratic societies that embrace freedom of expression and is made tangible in the social network context. It is characterized by a specific form of discrimination based on the use of verbal expressions or other media content and, usually, directed at minority groups. Although there is a lack of consensus about a unique and shared definition of hate speech, its social and personal consequences are particularly relevant for the whole society. For these reasons, it seems of crucial importance to identify hate speech recognition antecedents. The present study aimed at analyzing the relationship between hate speech recognition and specific psychological constructs, namely, empathy and awareness of social media influence. More in details, we hypothesized the association between empathy and hate speech recognition was mediated by awareness of social media influence. Data obtained from 146 participants revealed that empathy positively predicted hate speech recognition, and such relationship was mediated by awareness. Implication of such findings are discussed.