4 How to handle hate speech
It can be hard to keep a clear head and make cool decisions when there is so much messaging going on, including offensive language and hate speech on social media whether it’s on chat groups or by sharing videos.
Activity 8: Time to reflect
Reflect on the following questions.
Have you ever said something on social media without thinking? Or when you are angry to hurt someone else? What difference did this make to the situation?
Social media is both a source of information and a powerful tool to talk with friends, share ideas, organise events and mobilise others locally or globally, to work together on common issues you care about. It is also a place where people can create false information to manipulate others, use hateful language and be abusive to those they don’t agree. It can sometimes feel like anything can go online, which can make it a dangerous and sometimes very hurtful space. But this is your space too, and you have choices in how you use social media, how you connect with others and how you make change happen.
This is what young people did in Parkland, Florida in 2018, in response to a terrible event that affected them and their communities.
OpenLearn - Why riot? Community, choices, aspirations 
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