Hate Thy Neighbor Online Hate in Local Communities

Key Findings:

ADL has previously found that the majority of Americans who experience harassment are harassed on Facebook, 54% in the previous year, according to their 2023 annual survey of online hate and harassment Online Hate and Harassment: The American Experience 2023. 

The rise of social media platforms like Facebook has coincided with a significant decline in local newspapers, making these platforms vital for local news and discussions. Despite Facebook’s declining popularity among younger users, it remains a crucial platform for community engagement, highlighting the need for effective moderation and support systems.

This research aimed to understand how online harassment operates in community spaces and the specific challenges faced by targets.

Harassment Cases

Residents of suburban New York opposed a growing Orthodox Jewish community, alleging that new synagogues and yeshivas (Jewish schools) were negatively impacting their quality of life. Near Boston, harassment targeted a woman of color who won a municipal election, leading to significant online and offline hostility. A local reproductive rights activist in small-town Ohio faced severe harassment from both residents and extremist groups after running for city council.

Types of Harassment

Harassment observed was largely based on identity, targeting Jews, women, LGBTQ+ advocates, immigrants, and people of color. Harassers, often part of the local political establishment, utilized both overt harassment and indirect tactics like zoning laws and public hearings to consolidate control and intimidate critics.

Facebook’s Role

Facebook is the primary platform for harassment, with 54% of those harassed reporting incidents occurring on Facebook. This is significantly higher than other platforms, such as X/Twitter. Facebook's limited data access makes it difficult for researchers to study harassment thoroughly, unlike platforms with more open data, such as Twitter/X and Reddit.

Impact of Local Harassment

Harassment in local communities is particularly damaging as it often involves interactions with perpetrators in daily life, leading to emotional harm and potential physical violence. Targets of harassment frequently withdraw from community activities, which stifles dissent and reduces overall civic engagement.

Recommendations

For Facebook:

(1) Close loopholes. Facebook should address anonymity in Group and Page moderation to ensure that moderators are identifiable; (2) Implement network analysis to detect and address cumulative harassment in community groups. (3) Allow users to escalate harassment reports, particularly for ongoing or severe cases.

For Local Communities:

(1) Provide resources and information to targets on documenting and reporting harassment, and enhancing their online privacy; (2) Educate local law enforcement on the nature of online harassment and how to effectively handle such cases within their jurisdiction.

By implementing these recommendations, both Facebook and local communities can work towards reducing harassment and ensuring a safer, more inclusive environment for all residents.