Identifying the traits of Australians spreading hate online
13 November 2026
From a study conducted by the Australian Institute of Criminology (AIC):
Compared to those who had not subjected others to online hate, these respondents were more likely to be men, to be aged under 35 years and to be more impulsive. They were also more likely to have had previous negative life experiences (including victimisation to online hate), to hold prejudicial attitudes and to engage in a range of antisocial behaviours.
No real surprises there. The full study can be read in full, as a PDF here. ABC journalist Ahmed Yussuf has also written an analysis of the AIC report.
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