Investigation of Hate Speech Online and Its Impact on Intergroup Relations Among Youth in Kaduna State

Online hate speech targeting ethnic and religious groups has contributed to real-world tensions and violence in conflict-prone states such as Kaduna, where Christian-Muslim and inter-ethnic divisions have historically been exploited through inflammatory communication. This study investigated the prevalence of online hate speech exposure and its perceived impact on intergroup relations among youth in Kaduna State, North West Nigeria. A descriptive survey was conducted among 300 youth aged 18 to 35 from Kaduna North, Kaduna South, and Zaria LGAs, recruited through systematic community-based sampling. The questionnaire assessed frequency of hate speech exposure on social media, platforms of exposure, emotional responses, and perceptions of effects on their own attitudes toward religious and ethnic outgroups. Results showed that 74.0 percent of respondents reported encountering hate speech targeting religious groups on social media in the preceding month, with Facebook and WhatsApp as the most common platforms. Exposure frequency was positively associated with increased distrust toward religious outgroups (r = 0.48; p < 0.001). Youth who participated in counter-speech digital communities showed significantly lower levels of outgroup distrust despite similar hate speech exposure rates. Residents of areas with a history of physical conflict showed more pronounced intergroup attitude deterioration following online hate speech exposure. The study recommends investing in digital counter-speech programmes, youth digital literacy curricula, and platform-level Hausa and English language hate speech moderation improvements for social media companies. Keywords: online hate speech, intergroup relations, Kaduna State, digital communication, social cohesion