Incitement to Hatred and Ideological Networking: Classification of Right-Wing Extremist Online Communication

Abstract

Currently there is a scientific debate about hateful and dehumanizing Internet communication or so-called online hate speech. Two analytical approaches are frequently used to interpret and explain these phenomena. On the one hand, there are established social-psychological approaches such as homophilia and confirmation bias, which are linked to algorithmic selection and described with terms such as filter bubble and echo chamber. On the other hand, these forms of communication can be seen as (strategic) attempts to gain power of interpretation or discursive sovereignty. In this context, the concept of cultural hegemony is relevant, especially with regard to the shifting of the limits of what can be said. In this article, a synthesis of these two analytical perspectives is developed and discussed. First, they are defined, and their connections and differences are described. Building on this, various right-wing extremist statements are analysed and categorised from these perspectives.