Tweeting Grenfell: Discourse and networks in critical constructions of British Muslim social boundaries on social media

2019 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 449-469 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph Downing ◽  
Richard Dron
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Hate Speech ◽  
Social Boundaries ◽  
Fake News ◽  
International Space ◽  
British Muslims ◽  
Per Se ◽  
Methodological Approaches

The Grenfell fire has yet to be analysed to understand the event’s implications in relation to construction of social boundaries for British Muslims. In this current research, two methodological approaches are applied to gain understandings of social boundary construction on twitter: thematic analysis of the content of tweets and social network analysis (SNA) of how messages are diffused and contested. Twitter is shown to be an important platform in spreading positive narratives about Muslims during the fire, enabling individuals to spontaneously contest fake news and hate narratives. Social media acts counter to established knowledge, demonstrating that it is not, per se, a conduit for fake news and hate speech. Furthermore, it demonstrates how twitter offers Muslims an international space to voice and articulate themselves where they can be influential in debates that effect Muslim diasporas in other national contexts.

Statistical Methods for Conducting the Ontology and Classifications of Fake News on Social Media

2021 ◽  
pp. 632-651
Author(s):  
Joshua Ojo Nehinbe
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Cyber Security ◽  
Social Dynamics ◽  
Research Community ◽  
Contemporary Society ◽  
Fake News ◽  
Religious Issues ◽  
Classical Studies ◽  
Political Rivalry

Fake news and its impacts are serious threats to social media in recent time. Studies on the ontology of these problems reveal that serious cybercrimes such as character assassination, misinformation, and blackmailing that some people intentionally perpetrate through social networks significantly correlate with fake news. Consequently, some classical studies on social anthropology have profiled the problems and motives of perpetrators of fake news on political, rivalry, and religious issues in contemporary society. However, this classification is restrictive and statistically defective in dealing with cyber security, forensic problems, and investigation of social dynamics on social media. This chapter exhaustively discusses the above issues and identifies solutions to challenges confronting research community in the above domain. Thematic analysis of responses of certain respondents reveal three new classifications of fake news that people propagate on social media on the basis of mode of propagation, motives of perpetrators, and impacts on victims.

scholarly journals COVID-19 and the 5G Conspiracy Theory: Social Network Analysis of Twitter Data

10.2196/19458 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (5) ◽  
pp. e19458 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wasim Ahmed ◽  
Josep Vidal-Alaball ◽  
Joseph Downing ◽  
Francesc López Seguí
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Content Analysis ◽  
United Kingdom ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Social Network Analysis ◽  
Network Analysis ◽  
Conspiracy Theory ◽  
Fake News ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
Twitter Data

Background Since the beginning of December 2019, the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has spread rapidly around the world, which has led to increased discussions across online platforms. These conversations have also included various conspiracies shared by social media users. Amongst them, a popular theory has linked 5G to the spread of COVID-19, leading to misinformation and the burning of 5G towers in the United Kingdom. The understanding of the drivers of fake news and quick policies oriented to isolate and rebate misinformation are keys to combating it. Objective The aim of this study is to develop an understanding of the drivers of the 5G COVID-19 conspiracy theory and strategies to deal with such misinformation. Methods This paper performs a social network analysis and content analysis of Twitter data from a 7-day period (Friday, March 27, 2020, to Saturday, April 4, 2020) in which the #5GCoronavirus hashtag was trending on Twitter in the United Kingdom. Influential users were analyzed through social network graph clusters. The size of the nodes were ranked by their betweenness centrality score, and the graph’s vertices were grouped by cluster using the Clauset-Newman-Moore algorithm. The topics and web sources used were also examined. Results Social network analysis identified that the two largest network structures consisted of an isolates group and a broadcast group. The analysis also revealed that there was a lack of an authority figure who was actively combating such misinformation. Content analysis revealed that, of 233 sample tweets, 34.8% (n=81) contained views that 5G and COVID-19 were linked, 32.2% (n=75) denounced the conspiracy theory, and 33.0% (n=77) were general tweets not expressing any personal views or opinions. Thus, 65.2% (n=152) of tweets derived from nonconspiracy theory supporters, which suggests that, although the topic attracted high volume, only a handful of users genuinely believed the conspiracy. This paper also shows that fake news websites were the most popular web source shared by users; although, YouTube videos were also shared. The study also identified an account whose sole aim was to spread the conspiracy theory on Twitter. Conclusions The combination of quick and targeted interventions oriented to delegitimize the sources of fake information is key to reducing their impact. Those users voicing their views against the conspiracy theory, link baiting, or sharing humorous tweets inadvertently raised the profile of the topic, suggesting that policymakers should insist in the efforts of isolating opinions that are based on fake news. Many social media platforms provide users with the ability to report inappropriate content, which should be used. This study is the first to analyze the 5G conspiracy theory in the context of COVID-19 on Twitter offering practical guidance to health authorities in how, in the context of a pandemic, rumors may be combated in the future.

scholarly journals Information Re-Sharing on Social Network Sites in the Age of Fake News

10.28945/3871 ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 20 ◽  
pp. 215-235 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mehrdad Koohikamali ◽  
Anna Sidorova
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Information Quality ◽  
Social Network Sites ◽  
Research Model ◽  
Fake News ◽  
Quality Of Information ◽  
Sharing Behavior

Aim/Purpose: In the light of the recent attention to the role of social media in the dissemination of fake news, it is important to understand the relationship between the characteristics of the social media content and re-sharing behavior. This study seeks to examine individual level antecedents of information re-sharing behavior including individual beliefs about the quality of information available on social network sites (SNSs), attitude towards SNS use and risk perceptions and attitudes. Methodology: Testing the research model by data collected through surveys that were adminis-tered to test the research model. Data was collected from undergraduate students in a public university in the US. Contribution: This study contributes to theory in Information Systems by addressing the issue of information quality in the context of information re-sharing on social media. This study has important practical implications for SNS users and providers alike. Ensuring that information available on SNS is of high quality is critical to maintaining a healthy user base. Findings: Results indicate that attitude toward using SNSs and intention to re-share infor-mation on SNSs is influenced by perceived information quality (enjoyment, rele-vance, and reliability). Also, risk-taking propensity and enjoyment influence the intention to re-share information on SNSs in a positive direction. Future Research: In the dynamic context of SNSs, the role played by quality of information is changing. Understanding changes in quality of information by conducting longitudinal studies and experiments and including the role of habits is necessary.

Poland

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Gorwa
Keyword(s):  
Social Networks ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Hate Speech ◽  
Public Life ◽  
Digital Tools ◽  
Social Media Marketing ◽  
Fake News ◽  
Political Campaign ◽  
Marketing Firms ◽  
Digital Politics

This chapter provides the first overview of political bots, fake accounts, and other false amplifiers in Poland. Based on extensive interviews with political campaign managers, journalists, activists, employees of social media marketing firms, and civil society groups, the chapter outlines the emergence of Polish digital politics, covering the energetic and hyper-partisan “troll wars,” the interaction of hate speech with modern platform algorithms, and the recent effects of “fake news” and various sources of apparent Russian disinformation. The chapter then explores the production and management of artificial identities on Facebook, Twitter, and other social networks—an industry confirmed to be active in Poland—and assesses how they can be deployed for both political and commercial purposes. Overall, the chapter provides evidence for a rich array of digital tools that are increasingly being used by various actors to exert influence over Polish politics and public life.

Read All About It: The Politicization of “Fake News” on Twitter

2018 ◽  
Vol 95 (2) ◽  
pp. 497-517 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Brummette ◽  
Marcia DiStaso ◽  
Michail Vafeiadis ◽  
Marcus Messner
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Cluster Analysis ◽  
Content Analysis ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Political Parties ◽  
Word Choice ◽  
Fake News ◽  
Online Networks ◽  
Party Members ◽  
And Cluster Analysis

Due to the importance of word choice in political discourse, this study explored the use of the term “fake news.” Using a social network analysis, content analysis, and cluster analysis, political characteristics of online networks that formed around discussions of “fake news” were examined. This study found that “fake news” is a politicized term where conversations overshadowed logical and important discussions of the term. Findings also revealed that social media users from opposing political parties communicate in homophilous environments and use “fake news” to disparage the opposition and condemn real information disseminated by the opposition party members.

The role of Ulama (Islamic religious leaders) in countering anti-vaccination rhetoric in Indonesia

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. Nurlaela Arief ◽  
Siti Karlinah
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Hate Speech ◽  
Analysis Data ◽  
Religious Community ◽  
Communication Strategy ◽  
World Health ◽  
Religious Leaders ◽  
Fake News ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Media Monitoring

Abstract Indonesia has been facing a serious threat from fake news and hate speech which is wildly disseminated through social media. As the largest Muslim-majority country in the world, health issues and their link to religion are one of the most discussed topics on social media in this country. The aim of this study is to introduce a strategy to counterbalance fake news on vaccine issues. This research employed a mixed-method approach that used content of analysis data obtained from social media monitoring. In addition, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 participants from various sectors related to vaccine issues. Monitoring of six female Facebook users in anti-vaccine groups revealed that the top five topics discussed in Indonesia were halal certification, conspiracy, adverse effects, adjuvants, and vaccine substitution. This research recommends a communication strategy to counterbalance fake news on the vaccine, employing both medical professionals and trusted, influential members of the religious community to educate the public. They should have a strong background in medical issues and understand Islamic perspectives. The involvement of Ulama (Islamic religious leaders) is important and needed to explain that vaccines do not violate religious law.

Alternative truths and delegitimization pragmatic strategies around the 2018 Italian elections

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 293-320
Author(s):  
Benedetta Baldi ◽  
Ludovico Franco ◽  
Leonardo M. Savoia
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
New Media ◽  
Hate Speech ◽  
The Political ◽  
Fake News ◽  
Social Actors ◽  
Communicative Context ◽  
Pragmatic Strategies ◽  
Alternative Reading ◽  
Rhetorical Tools

Abstract In this paper we aim at analysing, from a pragmatic viewpoint, the rhetoric of delegitimization of the opponent in new media insofar as it triggers individual, uncontrolled and deep-rooted forms of communications. The communicative context is that of the political controversies and the propaganda around the Italian elections of March 2018. Accusations of fake news, hate speech and other delegitimizing rhetorical tools occur within the messages distributed on social media by politicians. We are specifically interested in illustrating and examining the disposition/standpoint of public social actors, of politicians in particular, toward the (delegitimizing) effects of the spreading of foul language, hate speech and fake news as instruments for re-shaping reality and introducing an alternative reading of facts.

scholarly journals The Anti-Social Network? Framing Social Media in Wartime

2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 205630511880031 ◽  
Author(s):  
Azi Lev-On
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Content Analysis ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Collective Action ◽  
Public Diplomacy ◽  
Hate Speech ◽  
Mainstream Media ◽  
Hebrew Language ◽  
Perceived Effects ◽  
Media Channels

Numerous studies address the uses and perceived effects of social media, but a scholarly void exists about how it is framed in the mainstream media. This study fills this void using a content analysis of news items that included references to social media in Israel’s six daily Hebrew-language printed newspapers during the Israel–Gaza war (2014). The papers framed social media primarily as spaces of hate speech and distribution of rumors. Additional salient themes referred to social media as alternative media channels by politicians and celebrities and as arenas of public diplomacy. Social media was rarely portrayed as platforms to orchestrate collective action or to meet the enemy.

scholarly journals "Die-Hard Supporters"

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 86-118
Author(s):  
Danna Aranda
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Public Opinion ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Group Behavior ◽  
Media Campaign ◽  
Fake News ◽  
Networked System ◽  
Online Platforms ◽  
2016 Election ◽  
Group Members

The success of the maverick politician Rodrigo Duterte in the 2016 election is cited as a result of the weaponization of social media—whereby professional, tech-savvy strategists mobilized public opinion through a networked system of disinformation. Yet, there is evidence of grassroots campaign support that emerged via online platforms. Those who have mobilized include Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), who have used Facebook groups to rally in support of Duterte. This research looks at the activities of two OFW Facebook groups to understand precisely how and why they organized for Duterte. Employing a dualstage thematic analysis on posts and comments by group members between March 28 – May 9, 2016, three key findings emerged. First, motivations for supporting Duterte varied greatly among users and are far more complex than Duterte’s mandate to crack-down on corruption, crime, and drugs. Second, group behavior deviates from top-heavy explanations of online campaign mobilization, as these groups operated autonomously from Duterte’s official campaign. Finally, these groups were not amorphous and had, as the most active members and organizers, certain intermediaries. These grassroots intermediaries sought to amplify support for Duterte by organizing events, using diversionary tactics, and helping to propagate fake news. These findings suggest that while these groups were operating independently, they were not devoid of influence from Duterte’s official social media campaign.

scholarly journals Trends in the Regulation of Hate Speech and Fake News: A Threat to Free Speech?

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 140
Author(s):  
Suleiman Usman Santuraki
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Free Speech ◽  
Hate Speech ◽  
Fake News ◽  
Success Story ◽  
International Crisis ◽  
The Social ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Ict Revolution ◽  
Legal Consequences

The Information and Communication Technology (ICT) revolution heralding the emergence and dominance of social media has always been viewed as a turning point in free speech and communication. Indeed, the social media ordinarily represents the freedom of all people to speech and information. But then, there is also the side of the social media that has been often ignored; that it serves as platform for all and sundry to express themselves with little, if any regulation or legal consequences. This as a result has led to global explosion of hate speech and fake news. Hate speech normally lead to tension and holds in it, the potential for national or even international crisis of untold proportions. It also has the likelihood to scare people away from expressing themselves for fear of hate-filled responses and becoming a source of fake news. Using doctrinal as well as comparative methodologies, this paper appraises the trend between states of passing laws or proposing laws to regulate hate speech and fake news; it also appraises the contents of such laws from different countries with the aim of identifying how they may be used to suppress free speech under the guise of regulating hate speech and fake news. It argues that the alarming trend of hate speech and fake news presented an opportunity for leaders across the globe to curb free speech. The paper concludes that the advancement in ICT helped in a great deal to advance free speech; it may as well, because of the spread of hate speech and fake news, lead to a reverse of that success story.

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