Exploring Peer Influence on Adolescents' Exposure to and Engagement With Online Hate Speech: The Mediational Role of Perceived Peers' Social Norms
ABSTRACT In a sample of 438 adolescents, we found that greater exposure to online hate speech was associated with higher levels of both support for and engagement in such behaviour. This relationship was mediated by perceived injunctive and descriptive norms. The mediating effect of perceived descriptive norms was amplified when participants appraised online hate speech as low in offensiveness. Findings provide insights for prevention programs.
Authors
- Andréa Carnaghi (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5852-5534)
- Valentina Piccoli (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9963-2742)
- Rosandra Coladonato (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4868-9970)
- Lisa Luis
- Marta Stragà
- Mauro Bianchi
Institutions
- University of Trieste (IT)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Journal of Community & Applied Social Psychology
- Published
- 2025-12-30
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1002/casp.70223
- Primary Topic
- Bullying, Victimization, and Aggression
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00