po polsku
illustration: Bing AIStatistics show that 16% of respondents admit to being victims of online hate, and 28% have witnessed offensive comments about someone they know. Notably, offensive content more often targets public figures (59%) than people within the respondents’ immediate circles (28%).
Who Posts Hate and Why?
According to the study, 13% of Poles admit to posting offensive comments, most often directed at strangers or companies. Men are twice as likely to be haters - 16% of men confess to such behavior compared to 8% of women. Women, however, more frequently criticize the appearance of people they know personally.
Analysis from the "Hate on the Internet" report shows men are more involved in hateful behavior than women - 16% versus 8%. The motivations differ by gender. Women haters often act out of emotions like jealousy (37%) or dissatisfaction with their own lives (25%), while men cite intolerance of differences (20%) or entertainment (14%).
Motivations for Hate by Gender
| Reason for Hate | Women (%) | Men (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Jealousy | 37% | 21% |
| Dissatisfaction with own life | 25% | 22% |
| Anonymity and impunity | 24% | 22% |
| Releasing negative emotions | 19% | 18% |
| Intolerance of differences | 16% | 20% |
| Seeking attention online | 17% | 13% |
| Entertainment or fun | 7% | 14% |
These data suggest that women are more often driven by personal emotions, while men act more impulsively. However, anonymity in the online space remains a common motivator for both groups.
– The latest report from the "I Don’t Hate - I Motivate" campaign reveals that men are more likely to engage in hateful behavior. About 16% of men admit to this, a figure twice as high as for women – says Ilona Adamska, president of the "In Harmony with Yourself" Foundation and the study’s initiator, quoted by the portal InformacjePrasowe.pl. – Moreover, men more often target brands, companies, and public figures, while women typically criticize other women, especially from their immediate environment.
What is the Target of Hate?
Hate most commonly focuses on appearance (70% of responses), sexual orientation (64%), and political views (38%). Women are more often criticized for their appearance, weight, or age, while men face hate related to sexual orientation, political views, or ethnicity.
Hate Targets for Women:
- Appearance: 70%
- Age: 18%
- Intelligence: 12%
Hate Targets for Men:
- Sexual orientation: 64%
- Political views: 38%
- Ethnicity: 17%
Online hate evokes a range of emotions among both victims and witnesses. The most common reactions are anger (61%), sadness (36%), and anxiety (23%). Women more often report feelings of fear and sadness, while men are more likely to react with indifference or amusement.
The consequences of hate run much deeper. As many as 58% of respondents believe hate lowers self-esteem, and 43% link it to depression and suicidal thoughts. Women are more likely to experience anxiety and depression, while men report aggression toward others.
Social Responsibility to Counteract Hate
The report shows that Poles declare willingness to react to hate, often defending people they know personally rather than public figures. Additionally, 85% of respondents believe hate can have serious financial consequences for companies, and 91% recognize its negative impact on the mental health of those targeted.
However, opinions on the severity of the problem vary by gender. 62% of men think society overreacts to hate, compared to 47% of women who share this view.
Attitudes Toward Hate
| Statement | General Agreement | Women’s Agreement | Men’s Agreement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hate is a serious health issue | 91% | 97% | 84% |
| Hate is a problem worth fighting | 89% | 94% | 84% |
| The hate phenomenon is exaggerated | 31% | 25% | 37% |
The findings of the "Hate on the Internet" report highlight the complexity of the issue, which requires both educational and legal actions. The "In Harmony with Yourself" Foundation and Maison&Partners hope this study will inspire the creation of a more conscious and empathetic society.
The full report is available for free download at:
https://www.fundacjawzgodziezesoba.pl/raport/
COMMERCIAL BREAK
New articles in section Law in media
Dietary supplement ads in Poland. Who keeps influencers in check?
Newseria, KFi
One in three Polish internet users considers influencer recommendations when deciding on medicines and dietary supplements. Although promotion of such products is regulated, there are still cases of advertising that skirt the law.
SEO Poisoning. Hackers Use Search Engines to Target Businesses
Piotr Rozmiarek
Search engines help us quickly find information, but they can also be used by cybercriminals. SEO poisoning is a tactic where attackers manipulate search engine rankings to place harmful websites at the top of search results.
Phishing in the Cryptocurrency Industry. Fake Recruitments Steal Data
Piotr Rozmiarek
Security researchers have detected a social engineering campaign targeting job seekers in the Web3 industry. The attack aims to conduct fake job interviews via a meeting application that installs information-stealing malware.
See articles on a similar topic:
Data for Benefits: What Encourages Sharing Personal Information Online
Krzysztof Fiedorek
Most Poles are aware of the value of their personal data and do not share it without reason. However, one in five is willing to share data in exchange for benefits, and 16% of us do not remember if we have done so. These are the results of a study conducted by ChronPESEL.pl and the National Debt Register under the patronage of the UODO.
Cyber Attack on a Corporate Smartphone. How to Protect Yourself
KrzysztoF
Internet-connected mobile devices are an attractive target for cybercriminals. The key to protecting sensitive business data is employee awareness, hardware solutions, and appropriate software. This mini-guide provides a quick overview of how to protect each of these areas.
Recognizing Fake News. Technologies for Creating False Information
BARD
Artificial intelligence is increasingly used to fake information. Software now allows manipulation of public appearances by politicians. Bots are also used more often in Poland, with hate speech and trolling among the internet’s biggest threats.
Big Data in Poland. Companies Lack Ideas for Data Utilization
KF
Only 11 to 16 percent of domestic companies report using Big Data solutions, according to a survey by OVH and Intel. Among companies that have not yet used Big Data, only 2 percent plan to adopt this technology this year. Meanwhile, nearly all large and small companies admit to collecting customer data.
