Religious Hate Speech in a Networked Society: The Digital Pulpit Sheikhdom

Asena Siler; Bahset Karslı

Makale detayları

Religious Hate Speech in a Networked Society: The Digital Pulpit Sheikhdom

Yazarlar:

Asena Siler | Bahset Karslı

Yayıncı:

Hitit University

Ana Başlıklar:

Din Sosyolojisi

Dergi:

Hitit İlahiyat Dergisi Vol.23 Issue 2, pp.1114-1137

Belge Tipi:

Makale

Yayın Tarihi:

12/2024

Belge Dili:

Türkçe

Document ID (Org No.):

2001336412

pISSN:

2757-6949

Anahtar kelimeler:

Özet:

 The main purpose of this study is to explore the traditional elements of religious hate speech on the X platform, a new media environment, and to determine the position of these discourses in the process of digi-religious authoritization. With the widespread use of new media tools and environments, the language of religion and religious discourse practices has differentiated from traditional religious discourses. As discourses circulating on platform X intensify and sharpen, the interaction rates increase; the tendency of sharp and slogan-like discourses to attract supporters or provoke opponents further amplifies engagement. The algorithmic structure promotes slogan-like and headline-driven discourses, shaping the language of religion on this platform. In digital environments that enable a mass response, users create religious discourses to serve purposes such as creating effective discourses as both producers and consumers of content, reinforcing common thoughts, feelings, values, strengthening group belonging, and legitimizing religious authority in the digital environment. In this context, the research examines the structure of religious hate speech circulated on platform X and the traditional roots of these discourses. The study employed Teun A. Van Dijks critical discourse analysis method. Examples of religious hate speech circulated on the X platform, chosen as the sampling area, were selected from the discourses created by users who identify as Muslims but differ in religious interpretations. The critical discourse analysis method was chosen to reveal the social responses to digital religious discourses, how discourses are produced and circulated, their ideological foundations, and their archaic structures. The post of a popular preacher, whose group identity is prominent and which received the most interaction when searching terms such as infidel and shirk on the X platform and contains clear elements of hate, was chosen as an example. In accordance with Teun A. Van Dijks critical discourse analysis method, the study focused on the thematic structure and narrative language at the macro level, discussed the individual, social and ideological dimensions of the post within the context of background information, and analyzed it at the micro level. It has been determined that religious discourses in new media environments are represented concerning traditional codes but within a different structure. The production and consumption of religious discourses have become condensed with the algorithmic and mechanical structure of digital platforms, transforming religious hate discourses into performative displays that reinforce digital authority and promote interaction. Within the paradoxical structure of digital media, religious discourses on the X platform are framed with discriminatory undertones, making them subjects of hate. The competition to establish ones discourse as the ultimate truth in the digital environment intensifies the scope of this hatred. Religious discourses, presented in a divisive, otherizing and polarizing manner by being shaped into sharp and absolute forms, bring up the problem of digital takfir. It has been found that the algorithmic structure of X, which is based on interaction, circulation and visibility, causes religious hate speech to be presented in slogan-like and headline forms. Additionally, the tradition of takfir and rejection reinforces othering, stereotyping and targeting in digital environments, contributing to the hate production. As in the example we have discussed, the concern of producing interactive discourse on the X platform is intensified, particularly on issues related to digital takfirism, drawing upon traditional religious codes. Takfirist language in the digital environment has also been observed to be preferred as a means of interaction, facilitating continuous reproduction of discourse, creating agendas, popularizing the discourse and highlighting individuals, groups or ideas. The discussion of hate speech in new media, particularly on platform X, has been discussed in previous studies within the context of hate speech targeting different religions, sects and identities. Our research, on the other hand, aims to make a significant contribution to the literature by highlighting the paradoxical nature of notification and takfir traditions within the process of algorithmic authoritization on platform X, drawing attention to the oppositional nature of digi-religious language, and introducing the concept of digital takfirism for further discussion.

 The main purpose of this study is to explore the traditional elements of religious hate speech on the X platform, a new media environment, and to determine the position of these discourses in the process of digi-religious authoritization. With the widespread use of new media tools and environments, the language of religion and religious discourse practices has differentiated from traditional religious discourses. As discourses circulating on platform X intensify and sharpen, the interaction rates increase; the tendency of sharp and slogan-like discourses to attract supporters or provoke opponents further amplifies engagement. The algorithmic structure promotes slogan-like and headline-driven discourses, shaping the language of religion on this platform. In digital environments that enable a mass response, users create religious discourses to serve purposes such as creating effective discourses as both producers and consumers of content, reinforcing common thoughts, feelings, values, strengthening group belonging, and legitimizing religious authority in the digital environment. In this context, the research examines the structure of religious hate speech circulated on platform X and the traditional roots of these discourses. The study employed Teun A. Van Dijks critical discourse analysis method. Examples of religious hate speech circulated on the X platform, chosen as the sampling area, were selected from the discourses created by users who identify as Muslims but differ in religious interpretations. The critical discourse analysis method was chosen to reveal the social responses to digital religious discourses, how discourses are produced and circulated, their ideological foundations, and their archaic structures. The post of a popular preacher, whose group identity is prominent and which received the most interaction when searching terms such as infidel and shirk on the X platform and contains clear elements of hate, was chosen as an example. In accordance with Teun A. Van Dijks critical discourse analysis method, the study focused on the thematic structure and narrative language at the macro level, discussed the individual, social and ideological dimensions of the post within the context of background information, and analyzed it at the micro level. It has been determined that religious discourses in new media environments are represented concerning traditional codes but within a different structure. The production and consumption of religious discourses have become condensed with the algorithmic and mechanical structure of digital platforms, transforming religious hate discourses into performative displays that reinforce digital authority and promote interaction. Within the paradoxical structure of digital media, religious discourses on the X platform are framed with discriminatory undertones, making them subjects of hate. The competition to establish ones discourse as the ultimate truth in the digital environment intensifies the scope of this hatred. Religious discourses, presented in a divisive, otherizing and polarizing manner by being shaped into sharp and absolute forms, bring up the problem of digital takfir. It has been found that the algorithmic structure of X, which is based on interaction, circulation and visibility, causes religious hate speech to be presented in slogan-like and headline forms. Additionally, the tradition of takfir and rejection reinforces othering, stereotyping and targeting in digital environments, contributing to the hate production. As in the example we have discussed, the concern of producing interactive discourse on the X platform is intensified, particularly on issues related to digital takfirism, drawing upon traditional religious codes. Takfirist language in the digital environment has also been observed to be preferred as a means of interaction, facilitating continuous reproduction of discourse, creating agendas, popularizing the discourse and highlighting individuals, groups or ideas. The discussion of hate speech in new media, particularly on platform X, has been discussed in previous studies within the context of hate speech targeting different religions, sects and identities. Our research, on the other hand, aims to make a significant contribution to the literature by highlighting the paradoxical nature of notification and takfir traditions within the process of algorithmic authoritization on platform X, drawing attention to the oppositional nature of digi-religious language, and introducing the concept of digital takfirism for further discussion.

 The main purpose of this study is to explore the traditional elements of religious hate speech on the X platform, a new media environment, and to determine the position of these discourses in the process of digi-religious authoritization. With the widespread use of new media tools and environments, the language of religion and religious discourse practices has differentiated from traditional religious discourses. As discourses circulating on platform X intensify and sharpen, the interaction rates increase; the tendency of sharp and slogan-like discourses to attract supporters or provoke opponents further amplifies engagement. The algorithmic structure promotes slogan-like and headline-driven discourses, shaping the language of religion on this platform. In digital environments that enable a mass response, users create religious discourses to serve purposes such as creating effective discourses as both producers and consumers of content, reinforcing common thoughts, feelings, values, strengthening group belonging, and legitimizing religious authority in the digital environment. In this context, the research examines the structure of religious hate speech circulated on platform X and the traditional roots of these discourses. The study employed Teun A. Van Dijks critical discourse analysis method. Examples of religious hate speech circulated on the X platform, chosen as the sampling area, were selected from the discourses created by users who identify as Muslims but differ in religious interpretations. The critical discourse analysis method was chosen to reveal the social responses to digital religious discourses, how discourses are produced and circulated, their ideological foundations, and their archaic structures. The post of a popular preacher, whose group identity is prominent and which received the most interaction when searching terms such as infidel and shirk on the X platform and contains clear elements of hate, was chosen as an example. In accordance with Teun A. Van Dijks critical discourse analysis method, the study focused on the thematic structure and narrative language at the macro level, discussed the individual, social and ideological dimensions of the post within the context of background information, and analyzed it at the micro level. It has been determined that religious discourses in new media environments are represented concerning traditional codes but within a different structure. The production and consumption of religious discourses have become condensed with the algorithmic and mechanical structure of digital platforms, transforming religious hate discourses into performative displays that reinforce digital authority and promote interaction. Within the paradoxical structure of digital media, religious discourses on the X platform are framed with discriminatory undertones, making them subjects of hate. The competition to establish ones discourse as the ultimate truth in the digital environment intensifies the scope of this hatred. Religious discourses, presented in a divisive, otherizing and polarizing manner by being shaped into sharp and absolute forms, bring up the problem of digital takfir. It has been found that the algorithmic structure of X, which is based on interaction, circulation and visibility, causes religious hate speech to be presented in slogan-like and headline forms. Additionally, the tradition of takfir and rejection reinforces othering, stereotyping and targeting in digital environments, contributing to the hate production. As in the example we have discussed, the concern of producing interactive discourse on the X platform is intensified, particularly on issues related to digital takfirism, drawing upon traditional religious codes. Takfirist language in the digital environment has also been observed to be preferred as a means of interaction, facilitating continuous reproduction of discourse, creating agendas, popularizing the discourse and highlighting individuals, groups or ideas. The discussion of hate speech in new media, particularly on platform X, has been discussed in previous studies within the context of hate speech targeting different religions, sects and identities. Our research, on the other hand, aims to make a significant contribution to the literature by highlighting the paradoxical nature of notification and takfir traditions within the process of algorithmic authoritization on platform X, drawing attention to the oppositional nature of digi-religious language, and introducing the concept of digital takfirism for further discussion.

 Çalışmamızın temel amacı; yeni medya platformlarından X platformunda dini içerikli nefret söylemlerinin geleneksel izdüşümlerini keşfetmek ve bu söylemlerin diji-dini otoriteleşme sürecindeki konumunu belirlemektir. Yeni medya araç ve ortamlarının yaygın kullanımıyla birlikte din dili ve dini söylem pratikleri geleneksel dini söylemlerden farklılaşmıştır. X platformunda dolaşıma giren söylemler yoğunlaştıkça ve keskinleştikçe etkileşim oranı artmakta, keskin ve sloganik söylemlerin karşılık bulması veya karşıtlar oluşturması etkileşimi güçlendirmektedir. Algoritmanın yapısı gereği sloganik ve manşet halde sunulan söylemlerin daha fazla etkileşime imkân vermesi din dilinin de bu algoritmadan etkilenmesine neden olmuştur. Kitlesel bir tepkiye imkân veren dijital ortamlarda kullanıcılar hem içeriklerin üreticisi hem de tüketicisi olarak etkili söylemler oluşturma, ortak düşünce, duygu ve değerleri güçlendirme, grup aidiyetlerini pekiştirme, dijital ortamda dini otoritesini meşrulaştırma gibi amaçlarla dini söylemler oluşturmaktadırlar. Yeni medya ortamlarında dini söylemler üreten ve tüketen kullanıcılar mutlak hakikatin kendisi veya grubunda olduğu iddiasından hareket ettiğinde söylem kutsallaştırılarak hakikat tekelciliği ortaya çıkmakta, dini söylemler ötekileştirme, ayrıştırma ve damgalama unsurlarını barındırdığından nefretin konusu olmaktadır. Bu bağlamda araştırma, X platformunda dolaşıma giren dini nefret söylemlerinin yapısı nasıldır ve bu söylemlerin geleneksel iz düşümleri nelerdir? probleminden hareketle dijital ortamlarda dolaşıma giren dijital tekfircilik ve dijital otoriteleşme süreçlerini analiz etmeyi hedeflemektedir. X platformunda ötekileştirme ve kalıp yargılar oluşturma temelinde üretilen ve tüketilen dijital nefret söylemlerinin dini içeriklerle meşrulaştırılma süreci, tekfir geleneğinin dijital yansımaları, dijital dini otoriteleşme süreci ve tüm bu konuların dini içerikli nefret söylemine zemin oluşturması çalışmanın temel ilgi alanıdır. Araştırmada Teun A. Van Dijkın eleştirel söylem analiz yöntemi kullanılmıştır. Çalışmanın örneklem alanı olarak belirlenen X platformunda dolaşıma giren dini içerikli nefret söylemi örnekleri, İslam dinine inanan fakat dini yorum farklılıkları bulunan kullanıcıların birbirine yönelik oluşturduğu söylemler içerisinden seçilmiştir. Dijital dini söylemlerin toplumsal karşılıkları, söylemlerin nasıl üretildikleri ve dolaşımda kaldığı, dini söylemlerin ideolojik arka planı ve söylemlerin arkaik yapısını ortaya koyması bakımından eleştirel söylem analiz yöntemi tercih edilmiştir. X platformunda kâfir, şirk kavramları taratılarak en fazla etkileşim alan ve nefretin pek çok unsurunu açıkça barındıran, grup kimlikleri ön plana çıkan popüler bir vaize ait gönderi örnek olarak tercih edilmiştir. Teun A. Van Dijkın eleştirel söylem analiz yöntemine uygun olarak araştırmada, makro düzeyde; tematik yapı ve anlatım diline odaklanılmış, ardalan ve bağlam bilgisi başlıklarında gönderinin bireysel, toplumsal ve ideolojik izdüşümleri tartışılmış, mikro düzeyde ise; gönderinin şekil ve cümle yapıları ele alınmıştır. Dini içerikli söylemlerin yeni medya ortamlarında geleneksel kodlara atıfla fakat farklı bir yapıda temsil edildiği tespit edilmiştir. Dini söylemlerin üretim ve tüketimi dijitalliğin algoritmik ve mekanik yapısı ile kompakt bir yapıya bürünmüş, dini nefret söylemleri dijital otoriteyi pekiştiren, etkileşime imkân veren performans sunumuna dönüşmüştür. Dijitalliğin paradoksal yapısı içerisinde X platformunda inşa edilen dini söylemler zaman zaman ayrıştırıcı vurgularla nefretin konusu yapılmaktadır. Söylemi kutsallaştırarak dijital ortamda hakikatin belirleyicisi olma yarışı bu nefretin boyutlarını arttırmaktadır. Keskin ve mutlak bir yapıya büründürülerek ayrıştırıcı, ötekileştirici, kutuplaştırıcı bir yapıda sunulan dini söylemler ise dijital tekfir problemini gündeme getirmektedir. Xın etkileşim, dolaşımda kalma ve görüntüleme üzerine kurulmuş olan algoritmik yapısının dini içerikli nefret söylemlerinin slagonik bir yapıda ve manşet halde sunulmasına neden olduğu, tekfir ve reddiye geleneğinin dijital ortamlarda ötekileştirme, kalıp yargı oluşturma ve hedef gösterme olgusunu pekiştirdiği, nefret üretiminde rol oynadığı tespit edilmiştir. Din ve mutlak hakikat adına söylem üretenlerin dijital dini otoritelerini meşrulaştırma sürecinde nefreti bir propaganda aracına dönüştürdükleri gözlemlenmiştir. Ele aldığımız örnekte olduğu gibi X platformunda etkileşimsel söylem üretme kaygısı, geleneksel dini kodlara atıfla özellikle dijital tekfircilik konularında keskinleşmektedir. Dijital ortamda tekfirci dilin; etkileşim, söylemin sürekli yeniden üretimi, gündemler oluşturması, söylemi popülerleştirerek kişi, grup veya düşünceyi ön plana çıkarması açısından bir ilişki biçimi olarak da tercih edildiği gözlemlenmiştir.

Makale detayları

Religious Hate Speech in a Networked Society: The Digital Pulpit Sheikhdom

Yazarlar:

Asena Siler | Bahset Karslı

Yayıncı:

Hitit University

Ana Başlıklar:

Din Sosyolojisi

Dergi:

Hitit İlahiyat Dergisi Vol.23 Issue 2, pp.1114-1137

Belge Tipi:

Makale

Yayın Tarihi:

12/2024

Belge Dili:

Türkçe

Document ID (Org No.):

2001336412

pISSN:

2757-6949

Sociology of Religion

Religious Hate Speech

New Media

Digital Religious Authority

Digital TakfirDin Sosyolojisi

Dini Nefret Söylemi

Yeni Medya

Diji-dini Otorite

Dijital Tekfir

Sayı

Makale detayları

Yazarlar: Asena Siler | Bahset Karslı

Yayıncı: Hitit University

Ana Başlıklar: Din Sosyolojisi

Dergi: Hitit İlahiyat Dergisi Vol.23 Issue 2, pp.1114-1137

Belge Tipi: Makale

Yayın Tarihi: 12/2024

Belge Dili: Türkçe

Document ID (Org No.): 2001336412

pISSN: 2757-6949

Sayı

Yazarlar:

Asena Siler | Bahset Karslı

Yayıncı:

Hitit University

Ana Başlıklar:

Din Sosyolojisi

Dergi:

Hitit İlahiyat Dergisi Vol.23 Issue 2, pp.1114-1137

Belge Tipi:

Makale

Yayın Tarihi:

12/2024

Belge Dili:

Türkçe

Document ID (Org No.):

2001336412

pISSN:

2757-6949