Analysis reveals the spread of anti-migrant rhetoric online in Morocco

«From Polarization to Normalization — Mapping an Anti-Migrant Digital Ecosystem in Morocco» is the second release of the Migrapress barometer, which gauges the spread of such discourse on digital platforms. An alarming 76.4% of the evaluated content comprises hate, stigmatization, discrimination, or incitement to violence, while 72.4% is noted to exhibit «medium or high intensity». Additionally, 65.1% consists of «false or unverified information».

The report highlights the «structuring role of disinformation in fostering rejection of migrants» and the presence of a «highly polarized digital space», noting that «the most radical content is the most viral». Furthermore, it underscores «emotional intensity» as a more influential driver of virality than fake news itself.

«Dominant emotions include anger, fear, and appeals to authority, reflecting an emotional economy that fuels radicalization dynamics», the report asserts.

Insights into the Broader Analysis

In terms of themes, security and crime represent «nearly 40% of the content analyzed». Comparing these results with the first edition of the barometer from early 2026, the authors describe a shift from a rise in hate to the «gradual institutionalization of digital communities» that specialize in crafting and spreading anti-migrant narratives.

The data is derived from monitoring various digital platforms «based on their central role in the production and spread of migration-related discourse». This approach captures not only original content but also trends in reposting, virality, and amplification, using «keywords and events» as sampling guides.

A significant takeaway is that «counter-narratives remain weak and struggle against negative storylines», paving the way for the «gradual normalization of discriminatory discourse». The results illustrate how digital platforms enhance the visibility of hate speech through «emotional and polarizing content».

The authors urge a move beyond mere outrage to understand the «mechanisms that drive the stigmatization and discrimination of immigrants». They advocate for efforts toward more effective responses, stating that fighting hate speech isn't about stifling opinions but fostering democratic exchanges where «facts prevail over rumors», ensuring «the dignity of every person remains a non-negotiable value».

This assessment, based on analytical representativeness, aims «to identify trends and discursive patterns», rather than measure public opinion precisely. The goal is to balance having a sample «large enough to capture discourse diversity» with being «targeted for detailed qualitative analysis».

Hassan Bentaleb, Migrapress director and expert in media representations of migration, told Yabiladi that a crucial aspect of this study reveals that «hatred spreads not just because information is false», but particularly because it «triggers very strong emotions».

Normalization through Repetition

Commenting on the findings, Bentaleb emphasizes that «posts evoking fear, anger, or indignation circulate faster than nuanced factual content». In this digital landscape, the more engaging the content, the more algorithms promote it.

Bentaleb explains this as a catalyst shaping perceptions: «Disinformation does more than spread falsehoods; it gradually molds perceptions of others, making rejection more acceptable in public discourse». Combatting online disinformation thus becomes integral to resisting migrant rejection.

While some argue viral hostile content doesn't reflect societal views, Bentaleb stresses the need for «perspective». He points out that «an active minority can create substantial content, making it seem like a majority opinion».

Bentaleb warns about these repetitive, everyday narratives that eventually appear normal, becoming «ordinary opinions». He emphasizes that «this normalization should concern us, as words shape behavior, and behavior can influence public policy».