Rise in antisemitic and Islamophobic comments on social media following Gaza conflict

Amnesty International has analyzed over 300,000 comments on TikTok and Facebook, revealing a notable rise in verbal attacks against Jews and Muslims following the recent conflict in Gaza. The ongoing debate around Israel and Palestine has become increasingly polarized, leading to a spike in offensive and hateful remarks. Young Jews and Muslims, particularly on TikTok, are feeling particularly vulnerable, with some opting to withdraw from public discourse.

The report indicates an increase in Islamophobic and antisemitic expressions from nearly 0 percent in January 2023 to 2 percent after October 7. Over the past 18 months, Norwegians have posted more than 300,000 comments about the Middle East conflict on Facebook, with the average rate of verbal attacks climbing from 2.2 to 4.9. Amnesty asserts that social media algorithms amplify extreme views, urging governments and platforms to foster a more constructive public discussion and reduce hate speech.

John Peder Egenæs, Secretary General of Amnesty Norway, remarked that the intensity of debate on social media has made it increasingly challenging for Norwegian Muslims and Jews. The engagement around the Middle East debate has surged, but unfortunately, it has led to a toxic atmosphere where meaningful conversations are drowned out by animosity.

Platforms like TikTok are particularly impactful among younger audiences, often escalating the severity of discussions. Many, including young Jewish and Muslim individuals, report feeling alienated and silenced. Egenæs emphasizes the importance of creating spaces for nuanced discussion, highlighting that contemporary social media doesn’t effectively support this. He calls for more resources for authorities to combat illegal hate speech and to provide support for those affected.