Public Perception of Hate Speech and Vulgarism and Its Implication on Social Media Space

The study is on Public Perception of Hate Speech and Vulgarism and Its Implication on Social Media Space. The aim of the study is to determine how hate speech is being promoted in Nigeria on social media including, vulgarism. Data of the study were collected using random sampling technique. A sample of 400 respondent were collected using random sampling technique from a total population of 150,000 drawn from Auchi people. The study concluded that there is an understanding of hate speech and vulgarism to create disunity and also foster hate among, people, cultures and group. Also, despite, government awareness and parameters provided by journalists to curtail hate speech and vulgarism in the Nigeria, the use of hate speech and vulgarism in Nigeria social media space, such was Xhandle and Facebook is alarming. The study recommended that Journalist should create proper educative and awareness on the issue of hate speech and vulgarism and how to avoid them during elections. Since, the traditional news reporting and analysis is not yielding the desire result, journalist should create a more participatory and communicative platforms that will help politicians understand the concept of hate speech and vulgarism and how to avoid it during elections campaign. Government should support journalists in promoting campaign against hate speech and vulgarism and also provide measures on how to avoid hate speech and vulgarism while making means to punish offenders. Keywords: Hate Speech, Perception, Social Media, Vulgarism.