Is This the Most Hateful Era of the Internet We Have Ever Experienced?

The Internet has become a central part of daily life for billions of people worldwide. It connects us, informs us, and entertains us. It's our public square.

Yet, alongside its many benefits, the Internet has also become a breeding ground for hate. Many wonder if we are living through the worst era of online hate ever seen. In fact, Oxford University Press, which publishes the Oxford English Dictionary, has deemed "rage bait" as its world of the year. This is:

"Online content (posts, videos, stories) deliberately designed to provoke anger, outrage, and polarization for engagement, showing a shift from curiosity-driven clicks to emotional manipulation in social media algorithms."

The Rise of Online Hate

Online hate is not new. Since the early days of the Internet, people have used anonymity to express anger, frustration, and prejudice. However, the scale and intensity of hateful content have grown dramatically. Platforms like social media, forums, and comment sections allow hate speech to spread quickly and reach large audiences.

Several factors contribute to this rise:

• Anonymity: Users often hide behind fake profiles, reducing accountability.

• Algorithms: Platforms prioritize engagement, sometimes promoting extreme or divisive content.

• Polarization: Political and social divides have intensified, fueling hostile exchanges.

• Global Reach: Hate can cross borders instantly, affecting diverse communities.

  
  

Comparing Past and Present

To understand if this is the worst era of internet hate, it helps to look back. In the 1990s and early 2000s, online communities were smaller and more niche. Hate existed but was often limited to specific forums or chat rooms. The audience was smaller, and hateful content spread more slowly.

Today, billions use the Internet daily. Hate speech can go viral within minutes, amplified by shares, retweets, and reposts. The sheer volume of hateful content is unprecedented. In fact, Meta (provider of Facebook and Instagram) reported a rise in online harassment in early 2025, even after its content moderation and safety measures were put in place.

The Impact on Society

The consequences of online hate are serious. Victims often experience emotional distress, anxiety, and a sense of isolation. Hate speech targets individuals based on race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or political beliefs, deepening social divides.

On a societal level, widespread online hate can:

• Erode trust between communities

• Fuel real-world violence and discrimination

• Undermine democratic processes by spreading misinformation and fear

  
  

For example, research has linked online hate campaigns to increased hate crimes in certain regions. This shows that internet hate is not just a virtual problem; it has tangible effects on society.

The Impact Upon Children

Research shows that youth today are more likely to encounter hate speech than cyberbullying. According to a report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office, roughly 1 in 4 students between ages 12 and 18 who experienced bullying were targeted because of their race, national origin, religion, disability, gender or sexual orientation. Furthermore, a report from the Anti-Defamation League Center for Technology and Society (ADL) highlights a troubling rise in hate speech and racial harassment in online gaming platforms, where the use of racial slurs and toxic trash talk is becoming increasingly common and normalized. For and teens who are in the critical stages of exploring and forming their identities, this surge in hate

speech presents a particularly serious concern.

We Have a Lesson for That!

Because of how harmful hate speech and online harassment can be for children, we address it directly in our Cyber Civics curriculum. Right on the heels of a series of lessons on cyberbullying and digital drama, we offer a lesson called:

You are the Word You Use

This lesson explores what hate speech is and engages students in a hands-on activity that ties the harms of online hate to something most of them engage in—online games. Together they brainstorm ways to combat hate speech in these spaces. Ask us to see this lesson: support@cybercivics.com

Why Does Online Hate Seem Worse Now?

Several reasons explain why online hate feels more intense today:

• 24/7 Connectivity: Hate is always accessible, making it harder to escape.

• Echo Chambers: People often interact only with like-minded users, reinforcing hateful views.

• Media Coverage: News outlets frequently report on online hate incidents, raising awareness but also amplifying the perception of its prevalence.

• Political Climate: Rising tensions in many countries contribute to hostile online environments.

  
  

These factors combine to create a sense that the internet is more hateful than ever before.

What Can Be Done?

Addressing online hate requires action from multiple angles:

• Platform Responsibility: Social media companies must improve moderation and transparency.

• User Education: Teaching digital literacy helps users recognize and respond to hate speech.

• Legal Measures: Governments can enforce laws against hate speech while protecting free expression.

• Community Building: Encouraging positive online interactions can reduce hostility.

  
  

Individuals can also play a role by reporting hateful content, supporting victims, and promoting respectful dialogue.

Looking Ahead

The Internet will continue to evolve, and so will the challenges it presents. While this may be one of the most hateful eras online, it is not inevitable that hate will dominate. With collective effort, the internet can become a safer, more inclusive space.

Understanding the scale and impact of online hate is the first step. From there, users, platforms, and policymakers must work together to reduce hate and build stronger communities.

The question remains: will we allow this era to define the Internet's future, or will we choose to change the course?