The most frequent types of hate found on the Internet are fueled by racism, anti-Semitism and homophobia . Women, people with disabilities, people from various religious backgrounds, immigrants, visible minorities and even medical doctors are also targeted by hate on the Internet. Anybody can be targeted.
Acts of hate can be psychological, verbal or physical and they can cause harm in different ways.
For example, the dissemination of hate propaganda and graffiti in schools, neighbourhoods, community centres, shopping malls and churches can have a profoundly unsettling effect on targeted groups. The anonymous nature of this activity may produce anxiety, fear and anger. Verbal slurs or obsenities are also intimidating and can affect a person's sense of security. The Internet is an easy and far-reaching channel for the propagation of hate. Quick Facts provides recent statistics about who is being targeted by hate on the Internet.