Public Perception of Hate Speech Use and its Effects on Voters’ Choice of Candidates during Elections

Authors

  • Terngu Iyorkyaa Department of Mass Communication Benue State University, Makurdi, Nigeria.
  • Maria Agbenu Onyilo Department of Mass Communication, Benue State University, Makurdi, Nigeria.
  • Omula Emmanuel Department of Mass Communication, Benue State University, Makurdi, Nigeria.

Keywords:

Public Perception, Voters' Choice, Hate Speech

Abstract

The study was carried out to determine the influence of hate speech on voters‟ choice and
the effect of such speech on aspirants. Using survey research method to elicit data with
the sample size of 102 respondents, it was revealed that a candidate can still win election
irrespective of hate speech. This is evident in Table 5 where 78% of respondents agreed
so. It was further revealed that hate speech can, however, tarnish a candidate‟s reputation
and may even cause such candidate to lose election. Findings showed that people
(respondents) do not support the use of hate speech. Based on these findings, it was
concluded among others that hate speech has little or no effect on voters‟ choice of
candidate. It was recommended among others that candidates should endeavour to carry
out campaigns that are issue-based, rather than resorting to the use of hate speech.

Published

2026-05-15

How to Cite

Terngu Iyorkyaa, Maria Agbenu Onyilo, & Omula Emmanuel. (2026). Public Perception of Hate Speech Use and its Effects on Voters’ Choice of Candidates during Elections. GVU Journal of Management and Social Sciences, 6(2). Retrieved from https://gvucolmass.site/index.php/gvu-jmss/article/view/79

Issue

Vol. 6 No. 2 (2021): SAU Journal of Management and Social Sciences

Section

Articles

License

Copyright (c) 2026 Terngu Iyorkyaa, Maria Agbenu Onyilo, Omula Emmanuel

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