SAN FRANCISCO (Diya TV) — A new report from Stop AAPI Hate shows that anti-Asian slurs remain common and are becoming more visible both online and in everyday life. The research highlights a troubling rise in hate speech targeting Asian communities across the United States and beyond.

The analysis cites fresh data from Moonshot, a group that monitors extremist spaces online. From January 2023 to July 2025, the use of anti-Asian slurs in these spaces grew by 40 percent. Researchers say the surge reflects how deeply racial insults have taken hold in digital conversations.

According to the findings, just five slurs made up 90 percent of all tracked insults. The top three accounted for 84 percent of the usage, showing how a small group of terms dominates online hate speech. Experts warn that this concentration makes it easier for slurs to spread quickly across social media and forums.

Stop AAPI Hate also notes that hate speech does not stay confined to the internet. The group’s report emphasizes that anti-Asian language is now surfacing more often in schools, workplaces, and public spaces. This shift from digital platforms to real-world encounters raises concerns about safety and belonging for Asian American and Pacific Islander communities.

Community leaders say that the increase in racial slurs often leads to harassment and discrimination. “Language is not harmless,” the report states. “Words can escalate into threats and violence.” The group calls for more awareness and stronger measures to address the spread of racist speech.

Anti-Asian racism has long been a part of American history. From the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 to the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II, Asian communities have faced systemic discrimination. The COVID-19 pandemic brought another wave of anti-Asian sentiment, as false claims linked the virus to Asian people.

The new data suggests that these biases continue to thrive in modern settings. Even as public awareness of racism has grown, harmful stereotypes and slurs remain deeply rooted.

Researchers stress that social media companies play a major role in how slurs spread. Hate speech often thrives in unmoderated spaces, where extremist groups use language as a tool to recruit and radicalize. Once slurs gain traction in these spaces, they frequently migrate to mainstream platforms.

Moonshot’s tracking shows that slur usage patterns often align with spikes in political or cultural tension. For example, when international conflicts or domestic debates touch on Asian communities, the use of derogatory language online tends to rise.

Stop AAPI Hate urges both policymakers and tech companies to take stronger action. The group calls for stricter content moderation, better reporting systems, and more resources for affected communities.

Local organizations across the country are also stepping up. Many have launched campaigns to educate the public, provide support for victims, and push back against racist language. Advocates believe that building awareness is key to breaking the cycle of hate speech.

The sharp rise in anti-Asian slurs shows that racism remains a pressing issue in both online and offline spaces. Experts say the data is a warning sign that requires immediate attention. While slurs may start as words, they often create an environment that allows hate crimes to grow.

Stop AAPI Hate stresses that addressing racist language is about more than banning offensive terms. It involves challenging the culture that allows such speech to flourish. The group’s leaders argue that change must come from schools, workplaces, social platforms, and governments working together.