Hating on the Internet

The internet can be one of  the most helpful tools and resources people have, but what happens when that tool gets taken advantage of in a negative way? You can find almost anything on the internet, and I mean anything! On one side, it's so great to be able to type in what you're looking for, and find a plethora of information on it. But, on the other side it can be extremely dangerous.

I can remember reading stories in magazines about times the internet was used for hate speech. I read something on a young girl who posted blogs (on myspace or something like that). She used it to talk to her friends, like most people. Then some students who didn't like her started threatening her on the page. They would call her horrible names and make her afraid to go to class. Even when she closed her account they were able to find her normal e-mail address and send letters. I couldn't imagine how scary it would be to find such things in your inbox.

That's just a sample of one girls experience with hate speech, but there are also sites that are filled with a whole group portraying their hate against something.

Click Here: to read an article on how the web can fuel hate speech.

The article discusses groups that can show their intolerance to minorities. One of the biggest online hate threats is to the Jewish community, and other minorities alike. It really scares me that there are actually websites and chatrooms where people can release all their hate. The article says there are even games one can play that are filled with violence and hate to a minority.

I know that even hate groups have a right to free speech, but when hate speech turns into hate crimes, where can we draw the line?