Rewriting the Article: It's Time to Step Up: A Majority of Germans Demand Action from Politicians to Combat Online Hate Speech
- ~2 mins read
The significant portion of Germans advocate for government intervention in the online sphere. - Intolerance Online: Large Number of Germans Urge Politicians to Take Action Against Cyber Hate Speech
Uh, check this out, ya filthy animals— I mean, sorry about that. Let's talk about the latest survey conducted by the polling institute Forsa on behalf of RTL. This survey shed light on the widespread concern over online hate speech in Germany, especially on the occasion of the International Day for Combating Hate Speech, which is celebrated on June 18.
Brace Yourself: Online Hate Speech is Everywhere
Alright, brace yourself — 71% of the respondents admitted experiencing hostile, degrading, or aggressive online behavior at least sometimes. Younger folks and constant social media enthusiasts tend to have more brushes with this unpleasantness. However, only 16% of people have personally experienced the brunt of online hate speech. Interestingly, 84% of those surveyed haven't had any direct encounters with this foulness yet. However, it's important to note that the more connected you are online and the younger you are, the higher the chances of running into online hate speech.
So, What's the Deal with Politicians and Online Hate Speech?
Now, here's where things get interesting – despite whether they've been directly affected or not, a clear majority (70%) of respondents think that politicians aren't doing enough to combat online hate speech. Even supporters of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, which is known for its questionable tactics, hold this view – 55% of them, to be exact. Crazy, right? On the flip side, only 14% believe that measures against online hate speech restrict freedom of expression. Go figure!
A United Nations Warning and RTL’s Initiative
The United Nations marked June 18 as the International Day for Combating Hate Speech back in 2021. This year, Secretary-General António Guterres raised a red flag about the potential spread of hate through artificial intelligence and biased algorithms. His message? We need to drown out toxic narratives with positive words and empower individuals to recognize, reject, and protect themselves from online hate.
RTL Germany supports the action day with the initiative "Together Against Hate and Hate Speech." During this week, they're delving into the repercussions of this vulgar internet culture and offering practical tips, such as:
- How to cope if you're affected
- The lasting damage cyberbullying does to a child's psyche
- Where to find aid if you're targeted
- Your legal options
- The Ministry of Digital Affairs’ future plans
Hints: This survey was conducted by Forsa between June 10 and 12, 2025, involving 1002 people in Germany. The survey was representative, and the statistical error tolerance was given as +/- 3 percentage points. Stern is part of RTL Germany.
Sources: Forsa, United Nations
- Key Insights for the Article:
- Over 70% of respondents believe that politicians are not doing enough to combat online hate
- Despite being affected in person, many believe that measures against online hate don't infringe on freedom of speech
- Stern is part of RTL Germany
Related Topics: * Online hate speech * Cyberbullying * Freedom of speech * International Day for Combating Hate Speech * RTL Germany * Forsa Polling Institute
- In the wake of a survey by Forsa, it's clear that a majority of Germans (70%) believe that policy-and-legislation, including community policy and employment policy, need to be strengthened to combat online hate speech more effectively.
- This issue has gained importance in the realm of politics and general news, as over 70% of respondents feel that politicians are not doing sufficient work to address this concern.
