The internet has opened up a world of limitless connection and self-expression, but it has also become a breeding ground for division and hate. Online hate speech and cyberbullying have surged in recent years, with platforms witnessing a disturbing rise in racism, antisemitism, homophobia, and other forms of discrimination. Statistics reveal a troubling picture: hate-fueled comments increased dramatically following global conflicts, and the misuse of AI has made harmful content easier to create and spread.

Platforms like X (formerly Twitter) have seen spikes in hateful slurs, while vulnerable communities—including people with disabilities, South Asian Americans, and LGBTQ+ individuals—are increasingly targeted. This wave of digital hostility has prompted growing concern among regulators, tech companies, and civil society groups worldwide, pushing for stronger moderation tools, new legislation like the EU’s Digital Services Act, and AI-powered solutions to counter the hate.

A project shows that anyone can become a victim of hate

With an experiment, Telekom is showing how easy it is to become a target for hate on the Internet. Very different young people were invited to the event “Dreamjob Influencer”. The candidates had the chance to convince a community of around 1,000 online users with their individual performances on the subjects of rap, beauty, fashion, comedy, and the like. The candidates were surprised by a flood of hateful comments from the community. What they didn’t know was that the entire event was staged. There was no community at all. The hate comments, collected in advance on social networks and prepared for the experiment, were recorded by an editorial team under psychological supervision.

Telekom is fighting for a network without hate online hate

As Germany’s leading network provider, it is our social responsibility and our self-imposed duty to act here. That is why we fight for a hate-free network in which we treat each other with respect. And we are only satisfied when everyone in the digital space can #takepart without fear. Telekom stands by the side of all those who are oppressed and marginalized by the misuse of digital technologies with full conviction. That is why we support initiatives that specifically target the digital exclusion of individuals and thus do our part to improve the situation for as many as possible. So #takepart with us and our partners to fight for a network without hate.

5 tips against online hate

Anyone online can become a target for hate. As part of Telekom’s initiative “#TAKEPART – no hate speech”, Telekom gave five tips on what everyone can do.

1. Don’t look the other way, show your attitude: If everyone says, “The others will intervene,” no one will do anything.
2. Report hate comments: This is possible either directly with the platform provider or with reporting offices such as that of the BKA (“respect!”) or at hasshilft.de. Another option is to report it to the police.
3. Counter-speech: It is important to make it clear to yourself that it is not about convincing the haters. One tends to write for the silent, often doubting readers and takes a stand for them.
4. Show attitude with Love Speech: This is about generally positive, good, and appreciative language. In this way, you can contribute to the discussion in a self-determined and proactive manner anywhere on the internet.
5. Supporting the victims: A lack of helpfulness and solidarity hurts at least as much as hate itself.