Who endorses online hate? The roles of ideology and knowledge in South Korean perceptions of anti-Chinese slurs

Abstract Purpose This study explores how political ideology and political knowledge influence perceptions and consumption of anti-outgroup content in South Korean online communities, addressing a gap in the literature on non-Western contexts. Design/Methodology/Approach An online survey was conducted among South Korean online community users to investigate the relationships between political ideology, political knowledge, and attitudes toward outgroups, specifically China. Findings The study reveals significant correlations between conservatism and positive perceptions of anti-outgroup slurs, as well as associations between political knowledge and both anti-outgroup sentiment and perceptions of slurs. Contrary to expectations, social identity and threat perceptions did not predict anti-outgroup sentiment. Practical Implications The findings provide insights for strategies to promote more inclusive online discourse and mitigate negative intergroup attitudes, highlighting the importance of political knowledge in shaping online behavior. Social Implications This research contributes to understanding how online communities influence intergroup dynamics and national identity in South Korea, offering broader implications for international relations and cross-cultural understanding. Originality/Value This study pioneers research on incivility in South Korean online communities, exploring the complex interplay between political ideology, knowledge, and online behavior in a non-Western context.