Calleja C., Giordmania J., Camilleri C., & Sonne K. (2023), Understanding hate speech and derogatory language against migrants and ethnic minorities in Malta: A Qualitative Analysis of Social Media Comments and Lived Experiences, published within the fram

Country

Malta

Title

Calleja C., Giordmania J., Camilleri C., & Sonne K. (2023), Understanding hate speech and derogatory language against migrants and ethnic minorities in Malta: A Qualitative Analysis of Social Media Comments and Lived Experiences, published within the framework of the project END-RACISM-MT: Towards the Implementation of an Anti-Racism Strategy for Malta, University of Malta.

View full research

Year

2023

Publication type

Survey evidence/report

Geographical coverage

National

Area/location of interest

Not applicable - national level

Type of Institution

Academic/research institution

Institution

University of Malta

Thematic focus

Hate speech: Public incitement to hatred or violence

Groups

Migrants

Key findings

The research revealed extensive use of derogatory language and hate speech on social media against migrants and ethnic minorities. It noted that this was often in response to news covering criminal activities having an association with migrants. The language used was often negative, unfair and dehumanising. Furthermore, the research also noted negative attitude towards Muslims and Arabs, with regular confusion of the two. The research also notes how, although negative sentiment is couched in terms of fears of over-crowding and job insecurity, it was rarely directed to other groups of non-nationals such as Italian residents. Finally, the research looked at the emotional responses generated by online hate speech, observing a range of reactions that include anger, sadness, humiliation, behaviour changes, and aggression.

Methodology (Qualitative/Quantitative and exact type used, questionnaires etc)

Quantitative analysis of data extracted from Facebook posts within a predefined timeframe. The posts were categorised and analysed in terms of the emotions expressed in the adopted language. The research team distributed pamphlets encouraging persons experiencing or witness hate speech to telephone the researchers, to then reply to a series of questions. No persons used this method. An online research tool was also adopted.

Sample details and representativeness

The online research tool attracted responses from 107 persons from 31 nationalities. No calls were received via the telephone. In relation to the Facebook posts, these were sourced on the basis of the predefined timeline and of their relevance to the theme. The research report presents an Annex with a list of selected posts, the number of comments appearing beneath these comments and the number of comments selected for research analysis. 34 posts were selected within the timeframe of 13 March 2023 to 8 September 2023.

DISCLAIMERThe information presented here is collected under contract by the FRA's research network FRANET. The information and views contained do not necessarily reflect the views or the official position of the FRA.