#No2Sectarianism: How Religious Messages Reduce Hate Speech Online

This study evaluates counter-speech strategies designed to reduce sectarian hate speech across the Arab Twittersphere and Lebanon.

Research Design:

• Experimentation in two contexts:
• Social media (Arab Twittersphere)
• National survey experiment (Lebanon)

Key Findings:

• Most effective counter-speech combines elite endorsement with priming of common religious identity
• Messages highlighting shared religious ties, supported by influential figures, reduce hostile anti-outgroup language most significantly
• Common national identity alone proved less impactful at reducing hate speech

Real-world Relevance:

This work offers policymakers practical insights for combating sectarian rhetoric online and offline. It demonstrates that religious elites can effectively serve as social referents to shape acceptable discourse norms.