How the Hatred of the Few Turns into the Enmity of Millions in the Times of Uncertainty and Danger

Abstract

The project is motivated by the increase of hate speech in different level media. In the times of global disasters people rely on media as an important source of information. Our goal was to highlight that media can change the psyche of people in the times of uncertainty. It is obvious that social anxiety is fueled by fake news, spam and hate speech. Our research was based on analysis of mass media techniques and their influence on the formation of negative stereotypes and prejudices. The analysis results show that in the period of pandemic a new vocabulary appeared and modern media influence the change in society's attitudes from tolerance to intolerance. Influence is increasing on the processes of changing culture and values in the society, therefore it is impossible to ignore its impact on life practices. Media fix this situation but create new stereotypes. Many journalists use hate speech unintentionally but due to the lack of professional skills. The conclusion is that hate speech is the power that spreads, provokes, encourages or justifies racial hatred, xenophobia, or other forms of intolerance-based hatred; it is based on negative attitudes to people. COVID-19 anxiety and fear cannot justify unprofessional use of hate speech, which should not be underestimated or ignored. The study also shows that alongside with uncertainty and fear caused by COVID-19 pandemic hate speech as a social phenomenon adds to tension and stress, and as such should be studied, analyzed and differentiated from sarcastic or ironic statements causing no harm.