How can hate speech affect young people especially done through online media?

We are more connected than ever before. This is even more true for younger age groups. While the phenomenon has numerous benefits, such as staying in touch with friends, loved ones, or even building online communities and sharing knowledge, the downsides may often be severe. These include being constantly exposed to information that one may find very difficult to disentangle, affecting his/her own identity and sense of self. Precisely, as many young people have created online identities that often mirror who they truly are, when they are attacked online, the experience can be rightfully agonizing. These attacks may take many forms. The most common ones include abusive speech, threatening speech, prejudice based on religion, race, or sexual orientation. As a result of a declining self-esteem, youngsters may feel a spectrum of negative emotions from pure sadness to anxiety and depression. These are difficult to cope with in the long run, especially when the source of such feeling is not known to the victim.

- Notice what hate speech is in the first place (definition of hate speech and where it comes from)

- Refuse what you are hearing/reading, because hate speech is in itself wrong- Be the ambassador of online diversity and respect of others

- Having an honest conversation with someone is much better than expressing thoughts online.