Trossamfundens respons på hot och hat - digitala eller lokala begränsningar?

Abstract

Threats, hate, and harassment targeting civil society organizations constitute an increasing challenge to democracy, particularly amid growing digitalization. This article explores factors shaping Swedish faith communities’ decisions to restrict their presence on social media and in local congregational activities. Based on survey data and focus group interviews from spring 2024, the study examines congregations within the Church of Sweden, Free churches, and Muslim communities. Findings indicate that restrictions in the digital sphere are more prevalent than locally across all denominations. Muslim congregations, however, more frequently refrain from activities in both arenas compared to the Church of Sweden and Free churches. For Muslim communities, restrictions stem from past violence and ongoing threats, whereas other denominations primarily limit activities as direct reactions to threats in each arena. The study demonstrates that threats and hate create both direct effects and indirect adaptation strategies, risking broader impacts on faith communities’ democratic participation.