Politics of Hate In the Age of The Internet

Massey University Lecture 2019 Our Changing World lecture series.

Exploring, analysing and understanding complex and compelling issues is where Massey philosophers, sociologists, historians, linguists and other scholars shine. Massey’s public lecture series offers you a closer look at a diverse range of fascinating topics of interest to the wider public, offering fresh perspectives and food for thought.

Online hate speech
Recent surveys have shown a significant spike in online hate speech. The opportunity provided by social and online media to be highly personal, or derogatory, about others on the anonymity of the web has seen an escalation in hostile and disrespectful views being expressed. What are the politics behind this trend? And what is the impact on those targeted? How do we define hate, and particularly hate speech? And should we, as part of democracy, be concerned?

About the speaker
Distinguished Professor Paul Spoonley is one of New Zealand's leading academics and a Fellow of the Royal Society of New Zealand. He joined the Massey staff in 1979 and was, until becoming Pro Vice-Chancellor in October 2013, the College's Research Director and Auckland Regional Director.

Prof Spoonley has led numerous externally funded research programmes, including the Ministry of Science and Innovation's $3.2 million Integration of Immigrants and the $800,000 Ngā Tangata Oho Mairangi. He has written or edited 25 books and is a regular commentator in the news media.