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Online Hate Speech, Offline Harm, and the Case for Content Moderation

Author

Listed:
  • Karsten Müller
  • Carlo Schwarz

Abstract

Key Messages:Hateful online activity not only reflects underlying tensions but affects realworld behaviorModeration policies should be based on existing laws to avoid new speech restrictions and dismiss claims of digital censorshipGermany’s NetzDG regulation had instant online and offline effects, disrupting the channels that turn hatred into violenceRemoving posts may distort online speech, but a “softening” of hateful expression through generative language models could reduce toxicity while minimizing distortionsModeration rules must be clear and narrow to limit compliance costs without entrenching incumbents

Suggested Citation

  • Karsten Müller & Carlo Schwarz, 2025. "Online Hate Speech, Offline Harm, and the Case for Content Moderation," EconPol Forum, CESifo, vol. 26(04), pages 41-46, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:ces:epofor:v:26:y:2025:i:04:p:41-46
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Karsten Müller & Carlo Schwarz, 2023. "From Hashtag to Hate Crime: Twitter and Antiminority Sentiment," American Economic Journal: Applied Economics, American Economic Association, vol. 15(3), pages 270-312, July.
    2. Andres, Raphaela & Slivko, Olga, 2021. "Combating online hate speech: The impact of legislation on Twitter," ZEW Discussion Papers 21-103, ZEW - Leibniz Centre for European Economic Research.
    3. Karsten Müller & Carlo Schwarz, 2021. "Fanning the Flames of Hate: Social Media and Hate Crime [Radio and the Rise of The Nazis in Prewar Germany]," Journal of the European Economic Association, European Economic Association, vol. 19(4), pages 2131-2167.
    4. Leonardo Bursztyn & Georgy Egorov & Stefano Fiorin, 2020. "From Extreme to Mainstream: The Erosion of Social Norms," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 110(11), pages 3522-3548, November.
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