ICTs as a Means to Incite Bullying, Hatred and Crime

This research focuses on the existing possibility for users to engage in the inappropriate use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) and aims to understand why individuals resort to acts of harassment, hate, and crime, affecting others in the position of victims. Objective: To study the use of ICT as a means to provoke harassment, hate, and crime. Method: The methodology employed a mixed approach, combining descriptive and non-experimental design. The sample consisted of seven (7) authors for qualitative analysis, examining legal contributions to preventing cybercrime. Additionally, 45 young individuals aged 18 to 25 were analyzed for the quantitative study to demonstrate the prevalence of these incidents in this age range. Triangulation was consistently applied for discussion, aiming to establish a more specific understanding of the reality surrounding harassment, hate, and crime on the web. Results: It was revealed that approximately 60% of the respondents experienced harassment to varying degrees, with 58% falling victim to it. An 82% did not experience threats, and 63% did not feel a negative impact on their mental health due to these online experiences. This indicates a high incidence of online harassment and victimization, especially among young people, along with a significant underreporting of these situations and an impact on mental health in some cases. Conclusion: While freedom of expression is a fundamental right supported by various international legal systems, it is crucial that its exercise be balanced with legal responsibilities to prevent online hate speech and incitement to violence. This balance is necessary to curb the ease with which these crimes occur, ultimately impacting others.