Abstract
Hate speech, as defined by the United Nations (UN), refers to any form of communication, gesture, or conduct that may incite violence, discrimination, hostility, or prejudicial action against individuals or groups based on attributes such as race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or other characteristics. It encompasses expressions that demean, dehumanize, or stereotype individuals or communities, perpetuating harmful stereotypes and promoting intolerance (UN n.d.).
Despite this definition appearing relatively clear and concise, defining hate speech is no easy task. Any attempt at defining hate speech effectively has to try to strike a balance between safeguarding freedom of expression–as a fundamental human right–and protecting individuals and groups from harm. This is further complicated given the fact that different individuals may perceive the same speech act differently, and what one person considers offensive or harmful, another may view as a legitimate expression of opinion. The subjective nature of determining whether specific expressions cross the line into hate speech makes it challenging to establish universally applicable definitions.
Despite these definitional difficulties, it is crucial to engage with the topic, especially in online settings like the metaverse. As we learned from early research into virtual worlds, what happens within these worlds can shape the values that influence individuals’ real-world lives, and vice versa. For example, writing in the early 1990s, Christine Ward Gailey argued that video games reflect dominant cultural values in society, reinforcing and promoting behaviors that align with the dominant ideology (Gailey 1993). In essence, commercially successful games often replicate and reinforce the values and activities associated with prevailing societal norms.
Despite this definition appearing relatively clear and concise, defining hate speech is no easy task. Any attempt at defining hate speech effectively has to try to strike a balance between safeguarding freedom of expression–as a fundamental human right–and protecting individuals and groups from harm. This is further complicated given the fact that different individuals may perceive the same speech act differently, and what one person considers offensive or harmful, another may view as a legitimate expression of opinion. The subjective nature of determining whether specific expressions cross the line into hate speech makes it challenging to establish universally applicable definitions.
Despite these definitional difficulties, it is crucial to engage with the topic, especially in online settings like the metaverse. As we learned from early research into virtual worlds, what happens within these worlds can shape the values that influence individuals’ real-world lives, and vice versa. For example, writing in the early 1990s, Christine Ward Gailey argued that video games reflect dominant cultural values in society, reinforcing and promoting behaviors that align with the dominant ideology (Gailey 1993). In essence, commercially successful games often replicate and reinforce the values and activities associated with prevailing societal norms.
| Original language | English |
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| Publication status | Published - 11 Jul 2023 |