Exchanges of Sectarian Hate Speech in Pakistan: Analyzing Social Media’s Role in Amplifying Violent Religious Extremism

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the role of social media in spreading violent religious extremism through examining exchanges of online hate speech in Pakistan. In recent years social media platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, X(Twitter), Instagram and WhatsApp have increasingly transformed into incubators of exchanges of hate-filled speeches between and among religious and sectarian groups and individuals. Social media’s VE content exacerbates divisions in society through fanning the flames of religious, sectarian and ethnic/nationalist intolerance. This paper will utilize the conflict escalation theory of political sociology, which asserts that conflicts escalate over cycles of action and reaction. This is especially relevant in the current digital age where hatred among religious and sectarian groups or ideological rivals is frequently augmented in a cyclic manner. Additionally, this paper will also utilize the Social Identity Theory, which focusses on how in-group identities are strengthened in opposition to out-groups. The findings suggest that hate speech spreads faster than counter-narrative measures, often reaching vulnerable communities and target audiences faster than their counterparts. It recommends a multi-stakeholder approach of government, digital tech companies, civil society, and academic community that can collectively create a joint mechanism to oversee online content, create awareness on digital literacy, and strengthen counter/alternate narratives.