Understanding the Nature and Impact of Online Hate Speech Victimisation

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This research examines the effects of transphobic online hate speech on victims in the UK. A Galop LGBT+ study found: Trans, non-binary and intersex people were subjected to more frequent online hate speech, which was generally more severe, more threatening, and had greater impact and consequences (Stray 2017) The impacts of this research will be compared with other kinds of online hate, such as racist and ableist hate speech, keeping a keen eye on intersectionality (Koyama 2006).The purpose of this research is to create an online hate speech harms index, leading to a greater understanding of online hate speech victimisation and how crime reporting could be improved. It will crucially offer a way to categorise online hate and therefore develop strategies against it.Bringing a unique perspective to this research, I have varied experience working in media, including managing social media accounts for a BBC prime-time TV show. This research could branch into several areas, from using my insight regarding how large organisations operate, moderate and police such platforms, to a focus on in-group hate speech (e.g. transmedicalists vs. 'trans-trenders'1).As little specific research has been undertaken on gender diverse people's experience of online hate, the results of this research will make a valuable original contribution, addressingthis gap in current academic knowledge. It is anticipated the outcomes of this project will have relevance to several areas including social data science, social policy and sociology.An index of harms will firstly benefit the victims of online hate, in understanding how to recognise and report such crimes. Secondly the index will enable lawmakers to enforcelegislation and companies like Twitter will have a clearer responsibility for tackling online hate.This vital research will provide an empirical base on which to evaluate and steer such strategies.The findings of this research could be used to inform recommendations useful to policymakers, third sector organisations such as Galop and the police and would facilitate the provision of adequate support to this vulnerable group.