Online Hate Doesn't Resemble the Norway I Know

The author, a doctor and former state secretary, reflects on the pervasive online hate in Norway, noting that even a young politician like former AUF leader Gaute Skjervø faces threats serious enough to warrant a panic alarm. This is particularly poignant 15 years after a far-right extremist killed 77 people, many of them young members of the same organization Skjervø now leads. The extremist's radicalization largely occurred online, underscoring the danger of unchecked hate speech.

The article contrasts this online toxicity with the palpable sense of national unity experienced during a recent historic football summer, where Norwegians shared joy across generations and in public gatherings. This stark difference between street-level camaraderie and the vitriol in online comment sections is difficult to ignore. However, the author emphasizes that this hate, while disturbing, does not represent the majority of Norwegians.

Research from Oslo Met analyzing hundreds of thousands of Facebook comments on immigration and Muslims revealed that a small number of highly active profiles generated most of the hateful content. In an era of disinformation and algorithm-driven social media, it's easy to mistake these comment sections for the general public's sentiment, thereby empowering extremist voices. The author shares a personal anecdote about his wife, who moved from California and was met with a violent threat online after wearing a traditional Norwegian bunad on May 17th, a stark contrast to the warm reception she received in person.

The author argues that the problem isn't a hateful populace but rather the platforms' amplification of a few active users. Social media is not a neutral space; tech giants influence what content gains visibility, often prioritizing conflict. While integration barometer data shows that most Norwegians are disturbed by racism and believe immigrants face discrimination, they also express concerns about immigration and integration. These concerns do not preclude a strong reaction against racism. The article concludes that the perceived societal conflicts are not as severe as comment sections might suggest, and the issue lies in the disproportionate visibility given to a vocal minority online.