How rage and frustration against authority figures tips over into conspiracy and violence – and what we can do about it

Canva, Pexels, The Conversation , CC BY-NC The alleged attack against independent MP Helen Haines, which has left her in critical condition in a Melbourne hospital, has raised questions about political violence in Australia and the general nature of public debate.

We do not yet know the motivation behind the alleged attack on Haines.

But there is no question the temperature of political debate has risen enormously in the past decade, and the rise of violent rhetoric online has spilled over into threats of violence or actual violence against people in positions of authority.

Why has political violence escalated? Since the emergence of social media as a mainstream political force, and particularly in the past 10 years, we’ve seen a correspondent increase in extremist rhetoric online.

This was greatly accelerated by the COVID pandemic, when people were were locked down, angry, resentful and looking for someone to blame.

Politicians bore the brunt of that.

Inevitably, that rage spilled over from online to real life.

Particularly in Victoria, which suffered the longest lockdowns, there was a rise in violent threats towards then-premier Daniel Andrews and other officials.

The temperature online has risen again in response to the war in Gaza and again, we have seen this violence acted on in real life.

It is a transnational phenomenon.

Around the world, there has been a rise in targeted assassinations and violence, particularly in the United States, Europe and other Western countries, where there has been a growing distrust of politicians and a decline in democracy.

In recent years, this has been exacerbated by a cost of living crisis and increasing societal division.

Many people feel left behind and, frankly, screwed over by governments.

In the online world, they have found succour in online echo chambers, sharing their animosity and grievances with others who listen, and agree.