VIOLENCE AND CYBERSPACE

The manifestation of hate attacks on virtual social networks

Abstract

With the advent and popularization of new technologies, these social dynamics have taken on a new dimension. Interactions and conflicts that used to be limited to physical space have now spread to the virtual environment, where they can take on even greater and more complex proportions. In this context, there is growing concern about the role of virtual social networks in cases of extreme violence. This article presents a reflection based on research that investigated the relationship between processes of violence and their manifestations in virtual social networks. Through online interactions, exposure to violent content and participation in extremist groups, we seek to understand how experiences of marginalization in these digital environments can be reproduced and culminate in large-scale hate attacks.