We analyzed ~16 million social media posts (Twitter, Youtube and Reddit) and ~2 million news articles across nine different languages (English, Spanish, German, French, Italian, Dutch, Swedish, Danish and Polish). The posts were selected using similar query criteria. We dissected the discourse along two dimensions. First, we identified specific themes present across the different language […]
Migration as a polarizing issue on social media
Social media are one of the main arenas in which European citizens discuss policy issues such as migration and in which opinion formation on such issues takes place through the sharing and consumption of information and views. At the same time, it is an arena in which traditional and alternative media, NGOs, and politicians share their views on migration and interact with citizens to promote their agenda. For this reason, social media are a melting pot of different actors and interests, and a lens through which the European discourse on migration can be studied. Social media offer both, a huge potential for, on the one side, the free and democratic exchange and, on the other, for polarization and manipulation of the European discourse on migration.
PROTECT series: Academics and the media: taking on the expert role – with Simon Usherwood
What motivates Professor Simon Usherwood to take on the ‘expert role’ week after week on social media and in the media? – If we don’t try to help inform debate, then others will fill that gap, and not necessarily to the same standard.