Words matter. They frame understanding and thinking—and in a topic as nuanced and complex as harmful speech, it is critical to ensure a shared understanding of language.
Sticks and Stones uses the terms “harm”, “harmful speech”, and “harmful content” which is different from other common terms such as hate speech, toxic speech, and dangerous speech.
Below is an outline of key terms, language, and approaches we use:
Content that is likely to cause harm can be identified by the following characteristics:· Rude· Disrespectful· Humiliating· Intimidating· Dehumanising or oppressing· Encouraging or supporting of violence· Normalises any of the above. Sticks & Stones has a bias towards using the term “harmful content” over “harmful speech” as the word speech is more traditionally linked to binary “freedom of speech” conversations which is not the focus on the project. Content can both include text and imagery.
Content that is likely to cause harm can be identified by the following characteristics:· Rude· Disrespectful· Humiliating· Intimidating· Dehumanising or oppressing· Encouraging or supporting of violence· Normalises any of the above. Sticks & Stones has a bias towards using the term “harmful content” over “harmful speech” as the word speech is more traditionally linked to binary “freedom of speech” conversations which is not the focus on the project. Content can both include text and imagery.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.
Sticks & Stones believes offence is distinct from harm. Harmful content typically offends, but offensive content isn’t necessary harmful as per the definition above.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.
Harm is created when content negatively impacts or limits someone's:
· Mental or physical health
· Feeling of worth or sense of self
· Ability to participate
· Safety (perceived or real).
The impact of harm can be both immediate and longitudinal. All forms of harm are damaging—regardless of perceived severity.
Harm is created when content negatively impacts or limits someone's:
· Mental or physical health
· Feeling of worth or sense of self
· Ability to participate
· Safety (perceived or real).
The impact of harm can be both immediate and longitudinal. All forms of harm are damaging—regardless of perceived severity.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.
Toxic speech is a term defined by Google in its efforts to make the internet a more respectful place: “Rude, disrespectful, or unreasonable comment that is likely to make someone leave a discussion. ”Each definition is an important and useful frame, though doesn’t quite capture the focus of Sticks & Stones’ work.
Toxic speech is a term defined by Google in its efforts to make the internet a more respectful place: “Rude, disrespectful, or unreasonable comment that is likely to make someone leave a discussion. ”Each definition is an important and useful frame, though doesn’t quite capture the focus of Sticks & Stones’ work.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.
Dangerous Speech is any form of expression (speech, text, or images) that can increase the risk that its audience will condone or participate in violence against members of another group.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.
Hate speech is often used in legal contexts and therefore varies widely between on jurisdictions. The Australian eSafety Commission defines hate speech as: “Reasonably likely, in all the circumstances, to offend, insult, humiliate or intimidate another person or a group of people”.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.
This is a digital exhibition of humanities experiences of harm, both on and offline.
In collaboration with world renowned market research company Ipsos, Museum of Sticks & Stones undertook an intensive research sprint to gain a deeper understanding have of harmful experiences in online spaces. A blend of research methodologies were used to explore the collective experiences of harm.
Introducing our comprehensive playbook, the compass that guides our project's approach and frameworks. Within its pages, you'll discover our strategies, tools, and developed frameworks, which are the bedrock of the Sticks & Stones project.
We like numbers. All the better if they help us build a picture of hate and harm, and how to build a more human internet.
