Work

From Bystanders to Perpetrators: The Influence of Normative Perceptions and Cognitive Empathy on Online Hate in Korea

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Online hate is an increasingly concerning phenomenon in the digital media landscape. This research investigates the process by which observers of online hate transition into active hate perpetrators, focusing on the roles of social norms and cognitive empathy. Longitudinal data collected from a two-wave panel survey in Korea show that frequent observations of online hate heighten the perceived prevalence (descriptive norms) and acceptance (injunctive norms) of such behavior. While cognitive empathy diminished the mediating role of injunctive norms in the relationship between observation and perpetration, it unexpectedly amplified the mediating role of descriptive norms. These findings highlight how the effect of normative perceptions on behavior varies based on individuals’ empathy levels. This research provides a foundation for a more systematic understanding of the mechanisms through which observers of online hate become perpetrators and for the development of strategies to combat online hate, fostering a more respectful digital environment.

Source: International journal of communication

Authors: Minwoong Chung, Seyoung Lee, Heejo Keum

Institutions: Central Michigan University, Sungkyunkwan University

Language: English

Topic: Hate Speech and Cyberbullying Detection

Subfield: Artificial Intelligence

Field: Computer Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: diamond

Funders: Ministry of Education, National Research Foundation of Korea

Awards: G2074937778, G265334043