Hate and Narratives Can Distort Perceptions Online (The Story of the Clan)

(Illustrative Only)

True north values
can lead society
through the forest of
windy paths
and competing interests.

We the People Constitution

Let’s think about a hypothetical story called the Story of the Clan to understand how hate and corruption take root. The point is to remind us that society works best when everyone follows the same basic rules and respects the same rights. Those values apply to every person, no matter their race, religion, politics, or background. We all have value and don't let people tell you that you don't.

People who don’t accept those universal values and the inherent value of others often see the world through a narrow lens. Typically they have something to gain by creating limited narratives (Money, influence, benefits, psychological pleasure, power, etc.) Over time, this mindset along with negative focused narratives leads them to dehumanize others. When that becomes normalized in certain groups, embedded false ideas and harmful patterns develop. We start judging people by symbols or labels instead of actions and principles. Two seperate standards form and they are not based on merit. Sometimes if you hold a candle to the violators of others rights one may see the deeper distortions within (The Mirror Theory). 

Lesson: Self and group interest often leads to narrow perspectives and narratives.

Strong communities depend on people who stay committed to core values—doing what is right and respecting others, even when it’s hard. They create social expectations around shared positive values. Not everyone does this, even if they claim to. That’s why shared rhetoric can become extreme and distort decision-making not only for themselves but also for others (The purpose of such projected hate). It is about influencing the masses and not necessarily that which helps everyone. 

Lesson: Communities are created by shared perspective and goals.

In our philosophical learning allegory, The Clan targeted people simply for having different opinions, religion, political perspective, friend networks, and financial self interest (The incentives can be any.). They violated rights, harmed others, and stopped only when they realized they were being exposed—showing they knew it was wrong and didn't have the remorse to see a higher path. They did their best to harm and put the consequences on the victims (Indicating a lack of qualifications for their roles in upholding agreed upon social contracts.).

Lesson: Morality and ethics are unlikely check and balance on hate and hate narratives.

This leaves two possible paths (Not necessarily neglecting the middle). One path is doing the right thing and reinforcing shared values. The other path is ignoring those values thereby creating subjectivity. History shows that the principles we rely on—human dignity, equality, and accountability—were built during the Enlightenment. They were about uplifting people while the darker ages were about putting down people. Narratives are part of that perception and outcomes.

Lesson: Always try and choose the higher more noble path because society needs as many good people as possible that have wisdom and a high level of personal development.

The study below discusses how harmful narratives spread. People can use their influence to push ideas that gain momentum, much like marketing. These ideas shape choices, behavior, and how we treat others, whether online or in daily life. We can send good, bad or messages in between. Be conscious of the story you share with others and ensure they reflect your values and were thought about. In other words, don't be a blind flying monkey for someone elses values that may not be beneficial for society, your honor or for your soul.

Lesson: Consciously think about what values you would like to spread and share. They will define you.

That’s why we need a “true north” moral compass. Individuals and communities must continually return to core values and pass them on. No person or institution should be allowed to undermine them.

Do not impose on others what you do not wish for yourself.- Confucius

Exposure to hate in online and traditional media: A systematic review and meta-analysis of the impact of this exposure on individuals and communities

• The study reviews how exposure to hate content in online and traditional media affects people and communities.

• It includes 55 studies with 101 measurable effects published up to December 2021.

• The review examines effects on attitudes, relationships between groups, behavior, and psychological well-being.

• Exposure to hate content is linked to more negative views and stereotypes about targeted groups.

• It reduces trust between different social groups.

• It is associated with higher victimization, more hate speech, and some increased offline violence.

• People exposed to hate content often show more hateful behavior in online comments.

• Exposure is linked to lower psychological well-being, including more depression and less life satisfaction.

• There was no clear evidence that exposure increases support for hate content or political violence.

• There were too few studies to analyze effects on political beliefs.

• Authors conclude that hate exposure in media has several negative impacts and more research is needed, especially on political outcomes.

Madriaza, P., Hassan, G., Brouillette-Alarie, S., Mounchingam, A. N., Durocher-Corfa, L., Borokhovski, E., Pickup, D., & Paillé, S. (2025). Exposure to hate in online and traditional media: A systematic review and meta-analysis of the impact of this exposure on individuals and communities. Campbell Systematic Reviews, 21(1), e70018. https://doi.org/10.1002/cl2.70018

*This is a philosphical, hypothetical, thought experiment so take with a grain of salt. We will write in a positive ending but are exploring some of the darker side of hate and corruption. Feel free to change the narratives, elements, and your conclusions. There is no right or wrong but only that you have taken a moment to think about it.