A snapshot of online hatred generated in Australia has found young men are the most common perpetrators, and more than half had previously experienced hate speech themselves.

A “confronting cycle of online harm” was identified in the 2024 survey of almost 10,000 people to be published by the Australian Institute of Criminology today.

About 170 people, or 1.7 per cent of respondents, admitted to subjecting others to online hate. This was an increase on the 1.4 per cent in 2022.

Researchers sought to determine the characteristics of those behind online hate, and found they were more likely to be men, to be aged under 35 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.

More than half of those who carried out online hate had previously experienced hate speech themselves, both offline and online. One third had experienced online harassment or abuse in the 12 months leading up to the survey.

More than half had engaged in at least one other antisocial behaviour online, such as hacking or harassment. Those behind online attacks were less likely to spend time connecting with people in person and more likely to have viewed fringe or radical content.

AIC deputy director Rick Brown said the research suggested that online hate does not occur in isolation.

“Behind online hate is often a complex mix of impulsivity, harmful attitudes, social disconnection, victimisation and broader antisocial behaviour,” Dr Brown said.

“These findings highlight how exposure to hate and harmful online environments can become part of a damaging cycle.

“Reducing online hate is a shared responsibility. Governments, technology companies, communities and individuals all have a role to play in building safer online spaces.

“Strengthening social connections, limiting exposure to harmful content and building resilience to extremist narratives will be critical to breaking this cycle.”