Speak Back: Crafting Effective Counterspeech

In today's digital age, harmful speech online is a pervasive issue that can have significant negative consequences. We all have likely witnessed someone being targeted by hate or abusive language and while we want to speak up, we are not quite sure what best to say. This workshop will equip participants with the tools and strategies to effectively counter harmful speech and promote a more positive online environment. Counterspeech is an effective communication strategy that can be used to challenge and refute dangerous speech. Various types of counterspeech have been identified in the literature, and different strategies may work better depending on the context and target audience. For example, presenting facts can be successful in debunking stereotypes, while humour may be a preferred rhetorical tool in certain communities. Through practical exercises and discussions, attendees will learn how to identify and address various forms of online harassment, compose different forms of counterspeech for different types of hate speech, and build confidence in their communication skills. By the end of this workshop, participants will feel empowered to speak up against bullying and abuse, fostering a more inclusive and respectful digital community.

Notice: attendees should be aware that different forms of hate speech will be discussed.

Instructor: Dr Stefanie Ullmann (Minderoo Centre for Technology and Democracy)