When hateful rhetoric spreads, whether online or offline, its damage extends far beyond the direct victims. We find that hate speech fundamentally threatens the bedrock of society—community cohesion. It actively works to fracture social relationships, erode shared democratic values, and deepen existing societal divisions, making it one of the most common ways of spreading divisive rhetoric on a global scale. This is why international bodies, including the United Nations and UNESCO, view the fight against hate speech as critical to advancing peace, human rights, and sustainable development. Continue reading →