Wars, the shift to the right, and climate change unsettle people. Nebenan.de promotes democracy, dialogue, and community in neighborhoods during this politically charged time to prevent division. Experts provide tips for respectful discussions and counter-speech against disinformation and hate online. Terms like disinformation, hate speech, and “silencing” are explained to raise awareness and strengthen civic courage.
Wars, the shift to the right, and climate change contribute to people feeling unsettled. Now more than ever, there is a need for a platform that serves as a safe haven in turbulent times—a platform that focuses on dialogue and community instead of fostering parallel societies and division.
Rarely have so many people taken to the streets for democracy as they do today. At the same time, many Germans feel poorly represented by politics in their everyday needs. With elections in Europe, the eastern German federal states, and the USA, 2024 is also a highly political year.
In this politically charged time, nebenan.de continues to firmly stand for democracy, fundamental, and human rights. We are convinced that neighborhoods thrive on diversity and the inclusion of all people. That is why we actively support initiatives that strengthen our democracy and bring people together locally.
Especially in neighborhoods where different opinions and political views meet, tensions and misunderstandings can quickly arise. We want to prevent this by promoting dialogue and encouraging neighbors to find solutions together.
To this end, we have interviewed experts about their experiences and tips for participating in controversial discussions and ways to foster a respectful and connected neighborhood. Learn more about their advice, which is meant to support you in difficult discussions, in our magazine article.
We have compiled helpful information on the topics of disinformation and hate online, as well as interactive exercises and tips for counter-speech:
- A comprehensive look at disinformation
- Right-wing extremist propaganda and disinformation: Tips for heated debates
- Intervention atlas against hate online
- Information, networking, and interaction offers for those affected by hate online
- Tips for successful interventions against hate
- Initiatives against hate online
- Loud hate – quiet withdrawal
- Interactive exercises – The game of radical politeness
- Communication techniques for conversations with people who believe misinformation or conspiracies (game)
- Democratic Meme Factory – Help in developing a counterforce to hate against minorities
- Interactive videos on the topic of civic courage
- Advice and concrete help against hate speech online
- Reading recommendation: Against Brutalization – Tips and strategies to recognize escalation patterns and respond clearly, as well as how we can find ways again to speak respectfully with each other and conduct discussions across differences of opinion
- Reading recommendation: Advertising for the Truth – Why fake news are so successful and how we can learn to spread facts just as virally
Definitions
Disinformation vs. Misinformation
Disinformation refers to intentionally false or misleading information that is spread to manipulate public opinion, unsettle people, or cause harm.
Misinformation is misleading, inaccurate, or completely false information that is spread without the explicit intent to deceive. However, it is often perceived by readers as serious, factual information and is frequently intentionally not verified for accuracy (Liberties, 2021).
Hate Speech
In hateful statements, individuals or groups are demeaned. The verbal attacks can target characteristics such as skin color, origin, sexuality, gender, age, disability, or religion of people. These devaluations are based on the assumption that certain groups of people are worth less than others. This may also mean that they are denied equal rights—at worst, the right to live. Hate speech is a form of group-related misanthropy expressed through violent language. It violates the dignity and rights of people and can intimidate entire groups (Amadeu Antonio Foundation).
“Silencing”
Out of fear of hate comments and harsh reactions, internet users are less likely to openly express their political opinions or views (Geschke et al. 2019, p. 5). Consequently, the diversity of opinions online decreases, which also distorts the societal picture of opinions (cf. ibid.). Without critical counter-voices that oppose the contributions of hate speakers, it can easily appear that the stance represented in hate comments dominates or corresponds to the societal majority opinion. This, in turn, can influence personal opinion formation (Medienradar, 2020).