Views on Climate Change and Cyberhate Targeting: A Cross-National Examination of Cybervictimization.

• In Event: Victimization in the Digital World

Abstract

As the climate crisis worsens and the political debate around climate change becomes increasingly polarized, activists such as Greta Thunberg have reported being subjected to hate speech both offline and online. However, little is known about broader experiences with climate change-related hate speech. This study therefore analyzes factors related to the likelihood of being targeted by online hate speech related to one’s climate change beliefs. To do so, we use data collected from two online surveys (one immediately before the 2024 U.S. presidential election, and one immediately after) of residents in the U.S. and Finland. Thirty percent of respondents stated that they were targeted by hateful online content at least once in the three months prior to being surveyed based on their climate change beliefs. Logistic regression results show that men, U.S. respondents, and those who completed the survey following the election were more likely to be targeted for their views on climate change. In addition, individuals who believe climate change is an important issue are more likely to be targeted. Individuals who engage with cyberhate in various capacities are also at an increased risk of targeting.

Authors

• Matthew Costello, Clemson University

• Pierce Greenberg, Clemson University

• James Hawdon, Virginia Tech

• Pekka Räsänen, University of Turku