July 15, 10:00

Psychological reasons for the spread of hatred online and abuse on social media

On all social media platforms, fertile ground easily forms for racists, homophobes, sexists, sexual predators, misogynists, Islamophobes, xenophobes, and bullies. A natural question arises: who are these people in real life?

The Influence of Online Culture

Social media users may experience disappointment, anger, confusion, and irritation. In the context of online culture, where algorithms and anonymity combine with toxicity that destroys rational discussions, there is a clear trend toward an outburst of fierce hatred in comments on sometimes harmless posts.

On the vast highway of the internet, ordinary people transform into aggressive animals. The safety provided by the screen acts as a kind of protective barrier. Any mention of the world, humanity, compassion, inclusivity, anti-racism, anti-xenophobia, or gender violence provokes a negative reaction. Online abuses, from crude profanity to personal attacks, aim for one goal—to silence and humiliate a person.

Psychologists call this phenomenon the 'online disinhibition effect,' which arises due to physical distance and the illusion of no consequences. People say things they would never dare to say face-to-face. Perhaps in this bullying lies a sense of bravado they do not receive in everyday life.

The Nature of Haters' Behavior

The author notes that trying to understand the psychology of this dangerous behavior may lead more to disappointment than enlightenment. However, it can be objectively concluded that without common sense and with moral and intellectual bankruptcy, online bullies and haters are incapable of logical debate. Their standard mode of communication becomes sarcasm, to which readers are accustomed in the comments on news and personal pages.

The author, having personally encountered online hatred, comes to the understanding that the truth often elicits a strong emotional reaction. Going beyond what is permissible and calls for unity and compassion have their price. At the same time, the author sees something greater than hatred and bullying.

Algorithms and Social Reality

The author testifies to people from different parts of the community and country who stood up against online hatred when necessary. Loud voices do not reflect the opinion of the majority in the community or the country. Social media algorithms feed on outrage, amplifying division and creating the appearance that the country is drowning in xenophobia, racism, sexism, Islamophobia, and other forms of prejudice.

Some people benefit from this situation. The reality is that online culture skillfully distorts rather than reflects society. When platform creators and other structures monetize profiles, morality and humanity become financially unviable, while hatred brings greater profit.

Contrast with South Africa's Reality

The author emphasizes that the residents of South Africa continue to live daily in multi-confessional and multi-racial harmony with greater tact and dignity than suggested by social media comments. This is not an attempt to oversimplify the problem, but a way to understand the origin of the madness.

People prone to humiliating others and suppressing constructive conversations are generally insecure, unnoticed, or suffering from pain, seeking fleeting fame and pleasure. This demonstrates the worst impulses of a small segment of users, not the soul of the entire community or country.

Consequences of Hatred and Call to Action

However, distortions have real consequences: online hatred and harassment undermine mental health, especially among young people. In the local community, this exacerbates external racism with internal mechanisms such as colorism, religious intolerance, and marginalization of people. Conservative groups quickly become judgmental towards those who express their opinions, especially women challenging the status quo. These disagreements are not localized; they weaken solidarity and penetrate the national landscape, deepening distrust at a critical moment.

There is an obvious fact: behind every hateful comment is a real person targeted by that hatred. Cases of suicide due to social media bullying have been documented, which in itself should awaken conscience. Therefore, it is crucial that decent people refuse to remain silent or afraid, standing up for justice.

Changing frequency or algorithms may not ensure popularity on social media, but it can be decisive in the effort to restore humanity. This is the moral battle of our time: keyboard warriors versus the unity of the community and the country. Neutrality is not an option here.

uza.uzJuly 16, 16:18

Uzbekistan and China Reach Important Agreements in Education Sector

Cooperation between Uzbekistan and China in the field of education continues to strengthen, expanding into supporting talented youth and jointly implementing modern educational projects.

Meeting of Agency Representatives

Savar Shokirov, Director of the Agency for Specialized Educational Institutions, met with Mr. Yu Jun, the Chargé d'Affaires of the People's Republic of China in Uzbekistan, as well as Mr. Sun Changdong, an advisor on education matters.

Key Agreements

Important agreements were reached regarding the launch of a new school specializing in Chinese language and STEM fields starting next academic year in the country. Discussions also covered the creation of professional development programs for teachers, the development of modern educational and methodological materials, and the introduction of advanced international experience into the educational process.

Future of Educational Cooperation

The parties exchanged views on plans to establish an HSK international examination center at the Agency, expand opportunities for students to study Chinese, and transform Uzbekistan into one of the centers of modern education and international certification in the region.

According to the Agency for Specialized Educational Institutions, the reached agreements strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries in the field of education.

iol.co.zaJuly 16, 15:48

Trek4Mandela 2026 Expedition Participants Head to Mount Kilimanjaro to Support Girls' Education

The first group of Trek4Mandela 2026 participants has begun their journey with the aim of raising awareness and collecting funds for the Imbumba Foundation's fight against menstrual poverty and to support girls' education.

Start of the Expedition Series

This first group officially commenced its route on Monday, marking the beginning of a new phase in the Imbumba Foundation's campaign to eradicate menstrual poverty and ensure that no girl misses school due to her menstrual cycle. This start signifies the launch of the Trek4Mandela expedition series this year, which will involve 40 mountaineers in three separate challenges aimed at fundraising and raising awareness for the foundation's Caring4Girls Program.

Routes and Campaign Goals

Forty participants will undertake three challenges within Trek4Mandela 2026, including climbs up Mount Kilimanjaro, to support the Caring4Girls Program. Trek4Mandela, considered the largest annual charitable expedition on Mount Kilimanjaro in South Africa, has mobilized hundreds of adventurers over many years to support women's health and girls' education. This year, the first team will travel to Tanzania to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in honor of Mandela Day, while the second group is scheduled for August 9th, International Women's Day. The campaign will also expand its horizons by hosting the Larapinta Outback Challenge in Australia for the first time, allowing it to reach a new international audience.

History of the Initiative and Mission

The mountaineers represent a diverse group of business leaders, corporate teams, public figures, and ordinary citizens united by a common goal: to remove barriers preventing young girls from receiving an education. This initiative was founded in 2012 by social entrepreneur Richard Mabaso after a deeply personal experience involving his niece, who experienced fear, confusion, and stigma during her first menstrual cycle due to limited access to hygiene products and information. What began as an attempt to change one girl's experience has evolved into the Caring4Girls Program, which has reached nearly three million beneficiaries across South Africa.

Role and Partnership

Mabaso stated that 'mountains symbolize the challenges many girls face daily in accessing education and opportunities.' He added that 'every mountaineer joining Trek4Mandela becomes an ambassador for change, helping us ensure that young girls are not deprived of education simply because they lack access to hygiene products.' Since 2012, Trek4Mandela has used the challenge of mountain climbing to highlight the issue of menstrual poverty and raise support for women's health initiatives across South Africa. In addition to raising awareness, the expeditions play a crucial role in ensuring the long-term sustainability of the program. The Imbumba Foundation has also launched its own brand of pads, available online and through Takealot, enabling individuals, schools, organizations, and community groups to support women's health initiatives independently.

Call for Support

As part of Mandela Month, the foundation collaborates with several long-standing corporate social investment partners, including SOUTH32, Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), Spur Corp, Sidima Sisters, Shell South Africa, and Estée Lauder South Africa, through public relations programs that include volunteer participation. The foundation has called on the public, corporate partners, and stakeholders to support the 2026 mountaineers and contribute to providing hygiene products and women's health educational materials to vulnerable students across the country under its current #MakeADifference campaign.