Fighting Against Hate Speech: A Case for Harnessing Interactive Digital Counter-Narratives.

This paper delves into the pressing issue of hate speech (HS) by examining the potential of Interactive Digital Narratives (IDN) to develop Interactive Digital Counter-Narratives (IDCN), highlighting the limited research in this area. Drawing inspiration from two cases studies and other examples from the literature, the article explores the unique ways digital media have been used to address HS through counter-narratives. By incorporating principles of decolonial thinking and Critical Race Theory, IDCNs can leverage emerging formats like video games and VR/AR/XR to counter hate speech effectively. Pointing out the inadequacy of hate-speech laws in combating covert hate speech, the paper argues that interactive counter-narratives offer a powerful means to challenge this complex societal phenomenon. According to several studies on HS, counter-narratives may preserve freedom of speech, debunk stereotypes, encourage mutual understanding, and facilitate dialogue to de-escalate conversations.