Social media political hate speech and its implications on mental health: The need for digital literacy

Abstract

The study focuses on political hate speech and its implication on mental health. Considering this, social media posts and responses of social media users through open-ended questionnaires provide the data for thematic analysis. The main source of data is the text of posts on the specific pages of mainstream political parties: Pakistan Tehreek Insaf (PTI), Pakistan Muslim League(N), and Pakistan People’s Party Parliamentarian (PPPP). Sampling is convenient, and only those posts are taken which are against other parties or leaders during the general election of 2024 in Pakistan. For validation of analysis of the posts, the survey shows how political hate speech effect mental health and helps in understanding the role of digital literacy. Thematic analysis of posts and responses are analyzed using the social identity theory and framing theory. The key findings related to mental health are increased anxiety, stress, social isolation, depression, decreased trust in institutions and media, and hopelessness. With platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube serving as a source of political information, these spaces have become increasingly polarized, often hosting divisive and hostile rhetoric. The prevalence of political hate speech, characterized by identity-based hostility, dehumanizing language, and moral accusations, poses challenges to individual’s mental well-being and contributes to a culture of social intolerance and conflict. Participants express a sense of societal disillusionment, mentioning the way political hate speech encourages division and decreases trust in political processes and intergroup harmony. The findings also suggest that a multifaceted approach, combining personal resilience strategies with digital literacy and platform moderation policies, is essential for encouraging a healthier online environment. This study contributes to understanding the mental health implications of political hate speech, advocating for both individual and systemic solutions to reduce the spread and impact of divisive rhetoric.