THE ATTITUDES OF ARAB PUBLIC TOWARD HATE SPEECH IN X SPACES – SURVEY STUDY
Alotaibi, Jareh Fares
King Saud University
*Correspondence details: Email: jfalotaibi@ksu.edu.sa
This study aims to discern the Arab populace’s perspective regarding hate speech in X spaces. The study employed a survey methodology, and data collection was carried out via questionnaires. The questionnaire was derived heavily from prior research, particularly in identifying the various forms of hate speech. The survey received responses from 1009 individuals from 22 different Arab countries. The study included 14.1% Saudi Arabian and 10.1% Egyptian respondents, while the representation was observed among other Arab countries. The participants’ responses indicated that attitudes towards hate speech were 59% exhibited a high level of awareness, while 30% demonstrated moderate knowledge. Most of the participants, 63% reported blocking individuals who engage in hate speech, and 81.4% affirmed that they do not derive any pleasure from encountering hate speech in X’s spaces. Additionally, most participants, 91.7% believe that the Arab public should not condone hate speech, and an equally significant percentage, 90.5% believe that X spaces should take a stand against it. Moreover, phrases that represent hate speech were identified, including but not limited to, Practicing racism, discrimination against religious trends, and Extremist ideas. The study also found no correlation between the frequency of using X spaces and exposure to hate speech.