Media Diversity Institute

By Hana Kojakovic, MDI Project Manager 

The Get the Trolls Out! Project was founded a decade ago with one important mission: to counter and tackle hate, disinformation and religious based discrimination both in online and offline media space. But in a climate of shrinking NGO funding and rising geopolitical tensions, the question remains: do we need such projects now more than ever - and if so, what role do they play in the fight against hate? 

Throughout the past ten years, we have observed how certain narratives and biases repeatedly resurface, often repackaged in new forms through memes, cartoons, and clickbait headlines, and amplified through algorithms and online engagement. One thing has remained clear: global events consistently shape the narratives we see in the media.

Time and again, moments of crisis have sparked surges in hate and misinformation — and exposed just how much education at all levels of society is needed. From the antisemitic tropes linked to COVID-19 and Europe’s anti-vax movements, to the spread of QAnon conspiracy theories, and most recently, the events of 7 October, each has unleashed new waves of antisemitism and Islamophobia across the European media landscape. 

Since 7 October, the Get the Trolls Out! team has recorded a worrying rise in anti-religio...Read more