Virtual Hate Communities in the 21st Century

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Author(s): Glenn T. Tsunokai (Western Washington University, USA)and Allison R. McGrath (Vanderbilt University, USA)
Copyright: 2012
Pages: 20
Source title: Handbook of Research on Practices and Outcomes in Virtual Worlds and Environments
Source Author(s)/Editor(s): Harrison Hao Yang (State University of New York at Oswego, USA)and Steve Chi-Yin Yuen (The Univeristy of Southern Mississippi, USA)
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-60960-762-3.ch003

Keywords: Information Science Reference / Media & Communications / Social Computing / Virtual Communities & Virtual Reality

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Abstract

Technological innovations in computer-mediated communication have helped hate groups to transform themselves into virtual communities. Likeminded individuals are now able to unite from all parts of the globe to promote hatred against visible minorities and other out-groups. Through their online interactions, a sense of place is often created. In this chapter, we explore the content and function of online hate communities. Since bigotry tends to be the cornerstone of virtual hate communities, we highlight the legal debate surrounding the regulation of Internet hate speech; in particular, we address the question: Does the First Amendment protect virtual community members who use the Internet to advocate hate? Next, using data collected from the largest hate website, Stormfront.org, we also investigate how Stormfront members utilize interactive media features to foster a sense of community. Finally, we direct our attention to the future of online hate communities by outlining the issues that need to be further investigated.

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