Content Creators and The Rise of Hate Speech between Brazilians and Portuguese on Digital Platforms: Analysis of an Experiment on a Social Network

Résumé

In recent years, a notable escalation of hate discourse has emerged between Brazilians and Portuguese on various digital platforms, casting content creators as pivotal actors in this contentious phenomenon. This article purposes to explore the connection between content production on digital platforms regarding the immigration of Brazilians to Portugal and the emergence of hate speech. Employing the Case Study methodology (Yin, 2017) with a qualitative approach, the research entailed a practical experiment involving the establishment of an Instagram profile dedicated to publish content regarding immigration in Portugal. Data collected over a six-month period underwent scrutiny via Content Analysis (Bardin, 2011). The study infers that, despite the initial intent to inform and publicize content suitable to immigration and life in Portugal, hate discourses flourish organically among users, underscoring the imperative for an ethically informed editorial approach. The endorsement of educational initiatives and tools is advocated to empower both content creators and consumers in facing hate speech on digital platforms. This may encompass the establishment of digital monitoring observatories, the provision of targeted training for content creators and the creation of audiovisual awareness materials for the audiences.