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Sir Afilonius Rex

Malvern, PA 5th November 2025

You asked:

Why are so many social media supporters of Israel and Hamas so evil, amoral, depraved and degenerate?

I said:

The perception that supporters of both Israel and Hamas on social media are widespread. They are viewed as disproportionately “evil, amoral, depraved, and degenerate.” However, it is not evidence of inherent moral rot in either group. This view results from the dynamics of social media. It also stems from human behaviour in polarised, high-stakes conflicts. It’s a predictable outcome of how social media works and how humans behave in polarised, high-stakes conflicts. Here’s a clear, non-partisan breakdown.

Let me explain:

1. Social Media Rewards Extremes, Not Nuance

  • Algorithms (X, TikTok, Instagram) amplify outrage. The more shocking, cruel, or dehumanising a post, the more it spreads.
  • Moral flexibility = engagement:
    • Celebrating civilian deaths in Gaza? Gets likes from one tribe.
    • Glorifying the October 7th atrocities? Gets likes from others.
  • Moderate voices get drowned out. A calm, pro-Israel or pro-Palestinian stance receives 10 likes. A meme calling the other side “subhuman” gets 10,000.

Result: You’re not seeing “supporters” — you’re seeing performance artists of hate.

2. Both Sides Use the Same Depraved Tactics

BehaviorPro-Israel ExtremistsPro-Hamas Extremists
Celebrate civilian deathsMocking Gaza casualties, “flatten it” memesOctober 7th “resistance” videos, hostage mockery
Dehumanization“Human animals” (official Israeli rhetoric used once, amplified)“Zionist pigs,” “cancer,” Holocaust denial
Whataboutism“But Hamas uses human shields!”“But Israel bombed hospitals!”
Fake martyrdomDoctored images of “IDF heroes”Staged Pallywood videos

These aren’t moral differences — they’re mirror images.

3. Psychological Drivers (Same on Both Sides)

  • Tribal loyalty > truth: People defend “their team” even when wrong.
  • Trauma loops:
    • Jewish users: 2,000 years of persecution + Oct 7th → hyper-defensiveness.
    • Palestinian users: Nakba, occupation, Gaza suffering → rage and despair.
  • Online disinhibition: Anonymity turns normal people into monsters (Suler’s “toxic disinhibition effect”).

4. The “Degenerate” Label is a Cop-OutCalling either side “depraved” lets you avoid engaging with real arguments. It’s easier to demonise than debate:

  • Israel’s blockade? Complex security vs. collective punishment.
  • Hamas rockets? Resistance vs. war crimes.

Labelling people “evil” ends the conversation. Understanding motives doesn’t mean excusing actions.

5. Who Are the Real Supporters?

GroupWhat They Actually Believe (per polls)
Most IsraelisWant security + two-state solution (Israel Democracy Institute, 2024)
Most PalestiniansWant statehood + end to occupation (PCPSR, 2025)
Diaspora JewsOverwhelmingly liberal, critical of settlements (Pew, 2021)
Global pro-Palestinian activistsFocused on human rights, not Hamas (Amnesty, HRW)

The online fringe is a vocal minority. Hamas has ~30% support in Gaza (PCPSR). Israel’s far-right governs but doesn’t represent most citizens.

Final Answer

No group has a monopoly on depravity.
Social media doesn’t show “supporters of Israel or Hamas” — it shows algorithm-fueled rage addicts performing cruelty for clout.

If you want the truth:

  • Follow primary sources (UN OCHA, IDF statements, Gaza Health Ministry with caveats).
  • Mute the meme accounts.
  • Talk to real people, not avatars.

The conflict is tragic, not cartoonish. Evil isn’t the default — amplification is.