Hatred & agitation – what’s wrong with our culture of debate?

Hatred & agitation – what’s wrong with our culture of debate?

Anyone who posts something online has had to expect a lot of criticism for some time now. Unfortunately, in many cases it is irrelevant, insulting, even threatening. Especially since the corona pandemic, scientists and experts who report objective facts have also become targets. What is wrong with our culture of debate?

“It’s fatal when more and more people are afraid to speak out publicly,” says social psychologist Pia Lamberty in the 331st episode of the podcast “important today”. And indeed, climate scientists in particular are softening their predictions for fear of triggering a shitstorm. Journalists think twice about reporting on the anti-corona measures demo or not. Hatred and agitation are transmitted and harm people and discussions, according to Pia Lamberty: “You shouldn’t underestimate what that does to the psyche, but of course also to our public discourse. People say or withdraw from the digital space. This has been seen on Twitter in the last few days, enlightening voices […] said it was no longer possible and at least temporarily withdrew.” People are not only withdrawing, but are looking for even more extreme ways to avoid hatred. The doctor Lisa-Maria Kellermayr has vaccinated people against Corona and has therefore become a target for unconventional thinkers: she was attacked so massively that she committed suicide.

Christian Drosten withdraws

A prominent example: The virologist Christian Drosten, who shared his results with the world and presented facts as one of the faces of the corona pandemic, was insulted and threatened with death. So much so that he has since retired from the public eye.

Michael Abdollahi

© TVNOW / Andreas Friese

“important today”

Sure, opinionated, on the 12: “important today” is not just a news podcast. We set topics and initiate debates – with attitude and sometimes uncomfortable. Host Michel Abdollahi and his team speak out for this star– and RTL reporters with the most exciting people from politics, society and entertainment. They let all voices have their say, both the quiet and the loud. Anyone who hears “important today” starts the day well-informed and can have a well-founded say.

What can we do?

Sometimes you seem powerless against the trolls on the internet or the people at demos who try to drown out everyone with their hate messages. But the social psychologist Pia Lamberty says it’s possible and you can take action: “As an individual, you can do that by countering it, precisely where contempt for human beings is visible.”

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Source: Stern

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