By Metropolitan Hierotheos of Nafpaktos and Agiou Vlasiou
The newspaper Ta Nea (5/19/2025) conducted an investigation titled "The Keyboards of... Hate", in which the data of the Ministry of Citizen Protection on cases of abusive speech on social networking media were presented, and "testimonies of victims of abusive speech" with the consequences in the psychological sphere are recorded. In fact, "the perpetrators act with the belief that they will not be prosecuted."
In the main article of the same newspaper simply titled "Hate" it is written:
"In recent years, a new type of hatred, extremely dangerous and complex in its forms, has spread with disproportionate consequences. The hatred of the Internet. Today's research by 'NEON' not only describes its versions. Not only does it emphatically note its effects. But it also underlines the current legislative framework and the institutional shield that we have or must expand against the carriers of this hatred.
Revenge pornography. Verbal abuse. Blackmail. Slanderous defamation. But also cyber-bullying or 'online grooming' (i.e. the approach of an adult towards a minor, with the adult's ultimate goal being the acquisition of sexual photographic material, following blackmail). New ways, but with criminal implications and with consequences for the victims, often with a deep and long-lasting impact. The data not only support the spread of the new hatred, but also point to the most vulnerable groups: students and women. The phenomenon is also worrying because the dominance of the Internet in our lives is more universal, often simplifying the methods of attack.
And why is there a huge disparity recorded between the complaints and the incidents? Solutions exist and stem from the behaviors and responses that the platforms themselves must demonstrate. At the same time, with the tightening of the framework for the offenders and the encouragement of victims through open lines and other means to boldly report criminal acts, the indifference only adds to the nightmare” (Ta Nea, Monday 5/19/2025).
We have seen this danger of the uncontrolled Internet on many occasions. And we have also seen this scenario many times. That is, whoever wants to take revenge on someone opens a website, constantly throws poison at them, some others appear to help him in this task and the war of “the assassination of characters and consciences” begins.
The various forms of blackmail, the pressures, and the traps put a person who endures this cowardly and insidious attack in a difficult situation. They intensely ponder: if they seek the help of justice to shake off this defamation and slander, they immediately face the accusation of being "maniacally litigious." If they allow this "crime of character assassination" to run rampant, then not only do they destroy themselves, especially if they are a public figure and hold a public office, but the very truth is also undermined.
Consequently, we need to humanize our society and manage our common resources fairly. And that's a job for the State with its legal services.
Source: From Ekklesiastiki Paremvasi, Issue 349 - August 2025. Translated by John Sanidopoulos.
