Tertiary-level internet users’ opinions and perceptions of cyberhate
Information Technology & People
ISSN: 0959-3845
Article publication date: 14 May 2018
Issue publication date: 23 May 2018
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to elaborate the opinions and perceptions of internet users regarding online hate speech, and bring cyberhate to the attention of internet users and policy stakeholders.
Design/methodology/approach
A sectional research design and survey method was adopted throughout the study to examine the opinions and perceptions of internet users regarding cyberhate by descriptively exploring the existing situation from various perspectives. The participants of the study were determined by purposive sampling methods to attain maximum variety among internet users who are considered as highly literate in technology use. The data were collected through a personal data form and a survey (Cyberhate Perception Scale) from 372 internet users living in Turkey and the USA.
Findings
The findings of the study revealed that the majority of participants do not perceive cyberhate as a part of freedom of speech and they believe that online hate behaviors, which they also consider to be a violation of human rights, should be deemed illegal and be punished accordingly. The findings, which were discussed in line with the existing research, indicated some significant predictors of internet users’ perceptions on cyberhate.
Originality/value
As cyberhate is an understudied area that raises concerns in terms of internet user exposure, the objective of this research is to understand tendencies about the opinions and perceptions of internet users regarding online hate speech, and bring cyberhate to the attention of internet users and policy stakeholders.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This research was conducted under the post-doctoral grant program (2219) “The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey” (https://www.tubitak.gov.tr/en). The author would like to thank all iSchool Members at UT Austin as the author was a Fellow at University of Texas at Austin during the data collection phase of this research. Special thanks goes to Associate Professor Dr Ken Fleischmann for his valuable support, guidance, and facilitation during my academic visit at UT Austin.
Citation
Celik, S. (2018), "Tertiary-level internet users’ opinions and perceptions of cyberhate", Information Technology & People, Vol. 31 No. 3, pp. 845-868. https://doi.org/10.1108/ITP-05-2017-0147
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2018, Emerald Publishing Limited