Perception of Hate Speech on Social Media among Residents of Keffi and Lafia Local Government Areas of Nasaravva State

This study was carried out to examine social media and its effects on hate speech in Lafia and Keffi. Survey research design was used, while questionnaire was adopted as the instrument of data collection. Simple percentages and ANOVA statistics were used for data analysis and interpretation. Findings revealed that there was widespread hate speech in the social media space, most especially on Facebook, thereby spurring violence, ethnic and religious hatred, among other discords. The findings also revealed that social media platforms have significantly affected the extent of involvement of the folks in hate speech. Based on the findings of this study, it was concluded that social media platforms play a central role in the perpetuation of hate speeches through social media users. Hence, it was recommended that the users of social media must bear in mind the implications'of involvement in the perpetuation of hate speech and its accompanying repercussions.