The Continuing Education Unit at the College of Media, University of Baghdad, organized a workshop entitled “Hate Speech in the Digital Space,” presented by Dr. Yusra Hamza, with the attendance of several faculty members and students from the college.
The workshop addressed the concept of hate speech and its various manifestations within the digital environment, particularly on social media platforms. It emphasized that such discourse constitutes one of the most pressing challenges facing contemporary societies amid the widespread proliferation of modern technologies and electronic platforms.
Additionally, the workshop explored the psychological, social, and political repercussions of hate speech, its role in undermining societal peace, and its adverse impact on collective awareness. It also examined strategies for countering hate speech through legal frameworks, media literacy, and the promotion of a culture of tolerance and responsible dialogue in the digital realm.
Dr. Hamza stressed that combating hate speech requires collaboration among educational institutions, media organizations, and civil society to instill values of coexistence and acceptance of others, while encouraging ethical use of technology within a safe digital environment.
This workshop is part of a series of activities conducted by the Continuing Education Unit at the college, aimed at enhancing students’ media and digital awareness and keeping pace with contemporary issues in communication and media.
The objectives of the workshop align with the sixteenth goal of the Sustainable Development Goals (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), which underscores the importance of building inclusive and safe societies, promoting justice, and combating all forms of violence and hate speech, thereby contributing to the consolidation of societal peace.
