Digital Hate in Conflict-Sensitive Contexts
Digital hate in conflict-sensitive contexts is an international research and education initiative. Since 2024, we have been researching how digital hate affects adolescents and young adults in conflict-affected regions and what approaches can be used to counteract it effectively.
We work closely with research institutions, universities and civil society organisations. These collaborations build on more than 16 years of joint work with partners from Germany, Ukraine, Moldova and Kyrgyzstan.
Our goal is to systematically research the causes and consequences of digital hate. On this basis, we develop practical, scientifically sound approaches to prevention and intervention.
More about the projects
2026: Transnational education and research strategies against digital hate
2025: Together against hate on the internet
2024: Navigating the digital space: conflict-sensitive support strategies for young refugees
Why this topic matters
Digital spaces play a central role in the everyday lives of young people. At the same time, they increase exposure to cyberbullying, hate speech, discrimination, and disinformation. International developments such as the war in Ukraine, social and political tensions in the Republic of Moldova, and ethnopolitical conflicts in Kyrgyzstan can further intensify these dynamics, both online and offline.
The initiative responds to these challenges by translating scientific knowledge into educational and transfer-oriented formats. At the same time, it strengthens international networks that promote digital civic courage, democratic participation, and inclusive digital environments.
Objectives
The initiative focuses on developing effective protection and prevention approaches, strengthening young people’s ability to deal with online aggression, and advancing scientific knowledge on digital risks and protective factors. Research findings are prepared in an accessible way and disseminated through academic publications, professional training formats, practical guides, and international exchange activities.
The approaches developed within the project address adolescents and young adults as well as professionals and institutions working with young people, including teachers, school social workers, youth organizations, municipal stakeholders, ministries and public authorities, and national and international non-governmental organizations.
Results
In the field of research, several large-scale empirical studies were conducted, including a representative online survey of over 2,000 young people in Kyrgyzstan and international surveys in Germany, Georgia, Ukraine, Moldova, and Kyrgyzstan involving a total of more than 6,000 adolescents and young adults.
In the field of education and training, pilot and continuing education formats for young people, students, and professionals were developed and implemented. These include the “ReAction” training program in Kyrgyzstan and workshops with participants from European countries.
Our partners
In Ukraine, Prof. Dr. Svitlana Khadzhyradieva (State University of Intelligent Technologies and Telecommunications) coordinates cooperation and coordination with other Ukrainian partner institutions, including Izmail State Humanitarian University and South Ukrainian National Pedagogical University K. D. Ushinsky.
In Kyrgyzstan, we are working with Almagul Osmonova, Jyldyz Doolbekova, and Aigerim Zholchubekova (Taalim-Forum Public Foundation). In Moldova, our partners are Prof. Dr. Svetlana Haraz, Tatjana Focsa, and Svetlana Rusnac (Free International University of Moldova).
News
Workshop: Hate Against Women in Context of Online Games (University of Hamburg)
Interview Research & Transfer Hate on the Internet (University of Hamburg)
ReAction Training (Taalim Forum, Kyrgyzstan)
Interest in workshops or cooperation
We offer training programmes, workshops, and advisory services for schools, universities, youth centres, NGOs, and other institutions working on digital hate, media education, and prevention. Organizations interested in participating or initiating cooperation are warmly invited to get in touch.
Contact
Julia Levin
University of Hamburg
E-Mail: julia.levin"AT"uni-hamburg.de
Funding
The projects are funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).