Perspectives of Canadian Youth on Islamophobic Hate Speech on Social Media

Background: Recent high-profile cases of Islamophobia online raise questions about how youth view and understand Islamophobic hate speech on social media. Analysis: In this study, we interviewed 25 respondents who identify as Muslim and have experienced hate speech on social media and 25 respondents from mainstream Canadian youth who are active users of social media. We also arranged a partially mediated online multilogue between the respondents on religion-induced hate speech, especially Islamophobia in Canada. Conclusions and implications: While both groups agreed on the harmful impacts of unmoderated hate speech online, they disagreed on the definition of Islamophobia as the systematic oppression of Muslims and held conflicting views on Islamophobia as a form of racism.