From hate to empathy: Seven actions to tackle xenophobia online

Nowadays, it is practically inevitable to come across xenophobic and hateful messages on digital platforms such as social networks. This type of content is not only offensive, but also irritating, and often leads us to aggressively try to discredit the messages. However, it is important to bear in mind that this response can have the opposite effect to what is intended, as it can cause the content to trend and unintentionally give more visibility to openly xenophobic and discriminatory content.  
 
This happens because our cognitive bias leads us to pay more attention to messages that generate intense negative emotions, such as anger or indignation. In other words, it is a neural issue, a survival instinct that leads us to be alert to possible threats, which is why we pay more attention to this type of content.  
 
In this context, we see how social media platforms have developed a business model focused on monetizing our attention, taking advantage of the analysis of our interactions and preferences to offer personalized advertising. As a result, the algorithms that determine what content is shown to us prioritize those that generate the most interactions and keep us longer on the platform. Unfortunately, in many cases this content tends to be hate messages with the potential to go viral and encourage people to engage.
 
By reacting, commenting or sharing hate content, we are contributing to it going viral and to other people being influenced and persuaded by these messages. To counteract this dynamic, here are seven simple actions you can take in your day-to-day life to address this situation:  
 
1. Don't interact with hate: avoid reacting, sharing or commenting directly on hateful messages. By doing so, you give them more visibility and promote their spread.
 
2. Block or mute: use the block or mute options on social networks to avoid continuous exposure to annoying or aggressive users. This will help protect you and maintain a healthier environment on your profiles.  
 
3. Report inappropriate content: all social media platforms have tools for reporting inappropriate content. Use them when you come across hateful messages, thus contributing to the regulation of this type of content.  
 
4. Support the victims: if the hate is directed at a specific person or group, show your support by sending them a private message or using other communication channels. Avoid giving more visibility to the attacks, but show solidarity with the victims.

5. Spread positive messages: instead of responding directly to racist or hateful messages, promote positive messages from organizations or initiatives that fight discrimination and promote inclusion. Share their publications to increase their visibility and spread a message of support.  
 
6. Collaborate with initiatives against xenophobia and discrimination: if you identify a particularly serious situation, such as harassment campaigns or repetitive hate messages, inform groups or initiatives such as XenophobiaZero. Their experience and support can help you launch collective actions to counteract such content.  
 
7. Configure your account: review the settings of your social media profiles to adjust privacy and exposure to unwanted content. Avoid content recommendation options and set the exposure levels you deem appropriate.  
 
It is essential to keep in mind that responding to hate with more hate is not the solution. Instead, we must foster a constructive dialogue based on respect and empathy in which a more realistic, humane and constructive perception of migrants and their countless contributions to the social and economic development of our communities prevails.