From Hostility to Inclusivity for Migrants in Eastern Europe: Digital Literacy Against Online Hate Speech

Since the official launch of online social networks in the 1990s, the number of users and offered services has risen progressively, affecting societies and daily life. In some cases, these online platforms have been a breeding ground for radical groups to share their point of view on migrants, leading to incidents of disinformation. On that note, the current research paper aims to examine the digital literacy rates in Bulgaria and Romania, the two EU Member States in Eastern Europe that recently entered the Schengen Area, and monitor the shift of public opinion towards migrants in recent years. Eventually, the paper demonstrates how the ability to track and report misleading information on migrant stories and integration policies in digital platforms can be a significant factor in reducing the spread of hate speech across different social groups. By utilizing a mixed-methods approach, namely investigating national reports on digital and media literacy, and tracking down the changes in public perception, this study sheds light on the initiatives implemented in those countries to combat hate speech and discrimination against migrants. Additionally, through the finding analysis, the paper concludes with key remarks on how policy recommendations can be formed based on decisions on regional and transnational levels. Ultimately, the study results can be the basis for future research on the correlation between education level and media interpretation.