Conservatism and Digital Hate Speech: Identity Politics and the Struggle for Moral Authority in Online Spaces

by: Muhammad Wildan (UIN Sunan Kalijaga, Yogyakarta, Indonesia), Muhrisun Afandi (UIN Sunan Kalijaga, Yogyakarta, Indonesia), and Thoriq Tri Prabowo (UIN Sunan Kalijaga, Yogyakarta, Indonesia)

Source Title: Digital Hate Speech, Disinformation, and Peace in Religiously Diverse Regions
Copyright: © 2026 |Pages: 26 | ISBN13: 9798337360683|ISBN13 Softcover: 9798337360690|EISBN13: 9798337360706 |DOI: 10.4018/979-8-3373-6068-3.ch006

Abstract: Conservatism has declined significantly in terms of violent actions, but not in terms of spreading ideology and hate speech in online media. This book chapter examines the transformation of conservative groups in the digital era, focusing on how they engage in religious piety and struggle for moral authority through online spaces. Conservative groups, ranging from militant, conservative, and radical groups, have increasingly utilized online channels to construct narratives of religious authority. These narratives often revolve around sensitive issues such as electoral politics, the COVID-19 pandemic, and religious minority groups. By framing these issues as threats, conservative actors employ hate speech and intolerance as discursive strategies to mobilize supporters, delegitimize opponents, and police moral boundaries. Their digital actions not only could delegitimate old-fashioned religious organizations but also bring about social polarization and tensions.

Citation: Wildan, M., Afandi, M., & Prabowo, T. T. (2026). Conservatism and digital hate speech: Identity politics and the struggle for moral authority in online spaces. In Digital hate speech, disinformation, and peace in religiously diverse regions (pp. 157–181). IGI Global. https://doi.org/10.4018/979-8-3373-6068-3.ch006

---