Description
Social media is a relatively new variable in the equation of conflict development and resolution. Existing research identified opposing influences: a polarizing effect that further divides the opponents, but also positive effects, abridging effect that creates common ground, and can even be used as a potential peace-building tool.
The research aims to improve understanding about the role of social media during conflicts, by examining narratives in this platform. Societies involved in conflicts, develop a narrative which provide justification and explanation to the conflict, causes for its eruption, its dynamic, their own society and that of the rival society, and the desired solution. Previous research found that this narrative should be the main target for change when promoting inter-group reconciliation.
The overarching research question is whether social media can be an alternative platform that undermines the mainstream narrative about a conflict, a narrative which supports its continuation. Focusing on Israel and the Palestinians, the research uses mixed methods, including analysing social media data, and interview with social media influencers and users.
The findings will contribute to the knowledge about the role of narratives on social media during conflicts. They will also add a relatively new aspect to the knowledge on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Social media is seen nowadays as an important player during conflicts, and the study can be also part of future discussion on regulations and policy.
