Anyone responding to online hate speech should take a closer look and analyse what's motivating it. Hannes Ley, founder of the #ichbinhier Facebook group, has identified at least three motives that may drive people to post hateful comments. Many comments that sound angry are actually expressions of fear, so it's worth asking what is behind that. Others are posting because they want attention. And then there are those who have an agenda and are seeking to spread propoganda. Being able to distinguish between these motivations is just one aspect of media competence.
Sabrina Fabian