Online hate and harassment are on the rise in the Netherlands – and this is something RTL Nederland sees on its own social media accounts. Comments often seem to target marginalised groups, such as the LGBTQI+ community. To map the intensity of online hate and find out who it is most often directed towards, RTL Nederland has launched an extensive analysis of its largest Instagram platforms: RTL.nl, RTL Nieuws, Videoland and RTL Boulevard. By increasing the visibility of online hate, the project aims to share insights, open discussions and, above all, present a positive voice in return.
Sven Sauvé, CEO of RTL Nederland, says: "The role of AI within our company is growing. I believe that this knowledge and expertise should not be used solely for commercial purposes. We have a duty to look further – and I am proud that we are now using this knowledge to increase the visibility of and tackle this social problem. There is so much beauty to be gained as people and society when we can respectfully agree or disagree. RTL Nederland's answer: never let hate become your normal."
Peter van der Vorst, Chief Content Officer at RTL Nederland, says: "Unfortunately, we have seen online hate increase significantly in recent years. This also affects our talents, programme participants and guests. Some choose not to be visible anymore, which is at the expense of diversity on screen – and I find that appalling. RTL Nederland stands for respect, tolerance and diversity. We want all Dutch people to be able to recognise themselves in the programmes we make and the people featured in them. Through this research, we aim to map the extent of hate and who is most affected by it. In doing so, we are also looking at our own role and that of the media in general. In this way, we hope to contribute to a more positive voice."
RTL Nederland has been innovating in the field of AI for several years, both on its platforms and in its content. The in-house Data Science team has already begun using this knowledge to analyse large volumes of comments on social media. Initial results show that the LGBTQI+ community, alongside women and people of colour, face excessive online hate. These people often become targets for hate and harassment after being featured on RTL Nederland’s channels or streaming service Videoland.
RTL Nederland’s mission is to connect by telling stories. Stories for the Netherlands, inspired by the Netherlands. Developments in society are often central to these stories, including topics such as inclusiveness and image formation. Social conversations, both internally and externally, have become an integral part of every media company’s role in society. At this year’s Amsterdam Pride, for example, RTL Nederland made a call to everyone in the Netherlands: Be Sweet. Representatives from RTL Nederland travelled through the canals of Amsterdam with one wish and one message: Be a bit nicer to each other. There is more that connects than divides us – and RTL Nederland believes in a world where love and acceptance prevail.
The full results of the analysis are expected in September 2024.
