Book launch: Digital Contention in a Divided Society
Book launch: Digital Contention in a Divided Society
Social Sciences Hub
Date: Wednesday 24 April 2024
Time: 18:00 - 19:30
Venue: Advanced Research Centre (ARC), University of Glasgow
Category: Public lectures, Academic events, Student events
Website: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/book-launch-digital-contention-in-a-divided-society-tickets-871373821557?aff=oddtdtcreator
They will discuss the role of social media in protests and civil unrest in Northern Ireland, followed by a Q&A session. There will be a drinks reception afterwards.
About the book: How are platforms such as Facebook and Twitter used by citizens to frame contentious parades and protests in ‘post-conflict’ Northern Ireland? What do these contentious episodes tell us about the potential of information and communication technologies to promote positive intergroup contact in the deeply divided society? These issues are addressed in what is the first in-depth qualitative exploration of how social media were used during the union flag protests (December 2012-March 2013), the Ardoyne parade disputes (July 2014 and 2015) and the 'Brexit riots' in April 2021. The book focuses on the extent to which affective publics, mobilised and connected via expressions of solidarity on social media, appear to escalate or de-escalate sectarian tensions caused by these hybrid media events. It also explores whether citizen activity on these online platforms has the potential to contribute to peacebuilding in Northern Ireland.
Further details on the book can be found here and you can register for the book launch here