“Free speech must be balanced with the ethical responsibility to prevent harm and promote respect in society.”
Lately, there has been a lot of hate going around, especially in my mutual circle. So, me being the policy debater that I am, decided to write an entire brief on it </3
The best way to address hate is to ignore it!! Leaving hate unanswered will often cause the flames of hate to go out due to lack of kindling (repercussion).
Here's some arguments (both logical and evidence based) you can use when people decide you're too cool and awesome and decide to hate on you for no apparent reason đź©·
Just please make sure to always be nice!! Hating on hate doesn't cause it to go away!!
These are just for instances where their actions have gone too far and can no longer be ignored.
Logical based arguments (+punchlines for easy understanding lol <3)
No evidence needed, I got you boo <3
At its core, targeted harassment causes measurable harm - emotionally, socially, and sometimes even physically.
Speech that directly encourages harm or dehumanizes someone isn’t just “free expression,” it crosses into harmful conduct.
In debate terms: your opponent’s “it’s just words” claim collapses when those words are intended to cause distress or fear.
If an action predictably causes harm with no constructive benefit, it’s not defensible, it’s irresponsible.
No Legitimate Purpose Argument
Ask: what is the actual goal of the message?
It’s not criticism (no substance)
It’s not humor (no mutual enjoyment)
It’s not discussion (no engagement)
So logically, the only function is harm for the sake of harm.
They're hating just to hate, they didn't even think through their arguments.
Speech with zero constructive purpose and clear malicious intent has no logical defense - it fails every standard of meaningful communication.
Credibility Collapse Argument
When someone uses extreme insults or threats:
They undermine their own credibility instantly
They shift focus away from any potential point (if they even had one) and all insecurities they have.
They hate to feel better about themselves. That leaves their character completely incredible.
The moment someone resorts to harassment, they forfeit being taken seriously - by definition, their argument loses weight.
Accountability vs. Anonymity Argument (this is my favorite lol)
Most hate messages rely on anonymity or distance.
If the speaker wouldn’t say it face-to-face, that reveals awareness that the behavior is unacceptable (<- i love this one sm)
That’s an implicit admission of wrongdoing
Hiding behind a screen doesn’t justify behavior, it proves the speaker knows it’s wrong.
False “Free Speech” Defense Refutation
People LOVE to hide behind this, so shut it down cleanly:
Free speech protects from government censorship, not from social consequences
Communities (and individuals) are allowed to reject harmful behavior
Freedom of speech does NOT equal freedom from consequences or criticism. Aka you're allowed to defend yourself from harmful speech <3
Inefficiency / Waste Argument (lowkey underrated but powerful loll)
This kind of behavior contributes nothing of value:
No meaningful interaction
Engaging in harassment is not just harmful - it’s intellectually empty and a waste of time that could be used productively.
Psychological Projection Argument (use carefully but it hits - look down below for actually evidence from articles talking about this)
Often, this kind of extreme hostility reflects internal issues:
Anger, insecurity, need for control/attention
(BUT phrase it logically, not insultingly!)
Unprovoked hostility often reveals more about the speaker’s internal state than the target’s worth.
Evidence based Arguments:
Here are some pieces of evidence to kinda help you understand what's going through their brain.
This is purely to help educate YOU and help you to realize that you are not the problem!! Not to be used against them!
(Bolded parts are the important parts, and the links to all of the articles are listed after the quote)
Desire of attention due to Insecurities
Dave Chamberlin on November 9, 2023 writes:
In the area of online interactions where anonymity often prevails, individuals may succumb to a range of psychological maladjustments that embolden them to engage in the posting of hateful comments. This behavior stems from deep-rooted insecurities, unmet emotional needs, and a desire for power and attention. The digital environment allows these individuals to shed their inhibitions and exhibit maladaptive behaviors that they may not display in face-to-face interactions. These people feel shielded by the virtual world and the perceived absence of consequences for their actions.
https://havokjournal.com/media/the-psychology-behind-social-media-hate/
Dave Chamberlin on November 9, 2023 writes:
Hateful comments are often rooted in feelings of inadequacy and a need to assert dominance. These people are often seeking to compensate for personal shortcomings by denigrating others, holding onto the belief that tearing others down will elevate their own self-esteem.
https://havokjournal.com/media/the-psychology-behind-social-media-hate/
Courtanae Heslop on May 1, 2023 writes:
People leave hate comments on social media for a variety of reasons, according to social media experts. Some do it to attract attention, others to feel powerful, and still others to conceal their own insecurities. However, at the heart of all of these reasons is a deep sense of dissatisfaction and unhappiness.
https://medium.com/@courtanaeheslop/why-do-people-leave-hate-comments-is-there-a-deeper-meaning-beneath-the-hate-dbbf02b4dfa1
Courtanae Heslop on May 1, 2023 writes:
As social media grew in popularity, it became a platform for people to express their thoughts and feelings. However, this has made it easier for people to leave hateful comments anonymously. Because they can say whatever they want without fear of repercussions, people often feel empowered by their anonymity.
https://medium.com/@courtanaeheslop/why-do-people-leave-hate-comments-is-there-a-deeper-meaning-beneath-the-hate-dbbf02b4dfa1
Courtanae Heslop on May 1, 2023 writes:
Psychologists have also discovered that people who post hateful comments frequently have a need for control. They believe they have control over the conversation and can tell others how they should think and feel. This is frequently related to feelings of inadequacy or a lack of control in other aspects of their lives.
https://medium.com/@courtanaeheslop/why-do-people-leave-hate-comments-is-there-a-deeper-meaning-beneath-the-hate-dbbf02b4dfa1
Monica Vilhauer Ph.D. on February 10, 2026 writes:
Psychology offers several explanations for this behavior. One key factor is the concept of online disinhibition. Behind the screen, people often feel anonymous and removed from the immediate consequences of their actions. This sense of invisibility can embolden individuals to express opinions or emotions they would otherwise suppress. The lack of direct feedback—such as seeing someone's reaction—also reduces empathy and increases the likelihood of harsh or hurtful language. Additionally, the physical distance and absence of social cues can further diminish personal accountability, making it easier for users to detach from the emotional impact their words may have on others.
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/recasting-reality/202602/the-hate-behind-the-screen
Lmk if anything needs to be changed!
Use this responsibly please!!
Do not hate just to hate!
@lunathetunaaa I did itttttt :D
