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.
