Unveiling patterns of hate speech in the Portuguese sphere: A social network analysis approach

Abstract

This study investigates the proliferation of hate speech on Twitter (now known as X) within the Portuguese-speaking community, utilizing Social Network Analysis (SNA) to examine tweets from 2021 to 2022 flagged for hate speech content. Our analysis, grounded in a dataset annotated for direct and indirect hate speech, offensive speech, and counter-speech, aims to unravel the linguistic patterns and the specific targets of online hate. Employing network science methodologies, we dissect the structural dynamics of these interactions, focusing on the influence of central nodes and the formation of communities that facilitate the spread of hate speech. Key findings highlight a prominent volume of hate speech directed towards minority and vulnerable groups, with significant discourse around LGBT rights, racism, xenophobia, and discrimination against the Roma. The study underscores the critical role of online communities and influencers in the dissemination of hate speech and suggests a pressing need for effective monitoring and intervention strategies. Our research contributes to understanding the complexities of online hate speech and offers insights for developing tools to counteract its spread, aiming to foster a safer and more inclusive online discourse.