Hate speech as a factor in the dehumanization of modern society

Abstract

The article suggests that modern threats and challenges, increasing social polarization and armed conflicts today clearly demonstrate the relevance and acuteness of the concept of hate speech, which appears not only as a form of expression of intolerance, but also as a powerful, purposeful tool of dehumanization - a process that deprives individuals or entire groups of their humanity in the eyes of society.

It is emphasized that this concept has not formed a single semantic field to date, and therefore is sometimes voiced as hate speech or hate rhetoric and is often disguised as sarcasm, irony, memes, euphemisms, “code words” or symbols that are understandable only in a certain context to a certain community..

The purpose of the article is to provide a comprehensive analysis of hate speech as a factor of dehumanization and to counteract this phenomenon in Ukraine, taking into account international standards. On the one hand, global networks allow for the spread of universal forms of hatred. On the other hand, local conflicts generate specific forms of hate speech.  The paper analyzes the oldest recorded manifestations of hate speech, since understanding the historical patterns of its functioning is a prerequisite for developing effective strategies to counter it in the modern world. It is proved that social factors that contribute to dehumanization include intergroup competition, economic instability, political polarization, and historical conflicts. At the current stage of social development, hate speech is becoming a factor of dehumanization and destabilization of society, as well as a key tool of military propaganda and information manipulation. Through the image of the enemy (“other”), it constructs primitive narratives: opposing groups appear as dangerous, suspicious, or morally degenerate.

This fosters a conducive environment for radicalisation and extremism. Only by understanding the depth and multidimensionality of this phenomenon can society effectively resist its destructive influence.