In 2023, nearly half (49%) of the population of the European Union (EU) aged 16-29, who used the internet in the last three months, reported encountering online messages that they considered hostile or degrading towards groups of people or individuals.
Among EU countries, 12 out of 23 with available data recorded percentages higher than 50%. Estonia reported the highest proportion at 69%, closely followed by Denmark and Finland, both at 68%. The lowest percentages were recorded in Croatia (24%), Romania (27%), and Bulgaria (31%).
The main reason for the attacks, as reported by young internet users in the EU, was the category of “political or social opinions,” which accounted for 35% of the total. This category was most prominent in Estonia (60%), followed by Finland (56%) and Denmark (49%).
The second highest rate in the EU was for the group of “sexual orientation (LGBTIQ identities)” at 32%. This group had the highest proportion in Estonia (46%), Slovakia and Portugal (both at 44%).
The category of “racial or ethnic origin” had the third highest rate at 30%. The highest rates for this category were recorded in the Netherlands and Portugal (both at 45%) and Estonia (44%).
This report was published on the occasion of World Wide Web Day, celebrated every year on August 1st.
Referrer: MiMub in Spanish
