VoxDev Development Economics S6 Ep20: How does social media influence conflict?
May 21, 2025
Augustin Tapsoba, theme leader of the ReCIPE programme at the Toulouse School of Economics, dives deep into the intricate relationship between social media and conflict. He discusses how social media can incite both protests and hate crimes, showcasing its double-edged nature. Tapsoba emphasizes the necessity for interdisciplinary collaboration to understand social media's impact better. He also critiques the responsibilities of tech companies in controlling hate speech and examines how media regulation can prevent conflict while forecasting violence.
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Social Media's Unique Role
- Social media shares persuasive effects similar to traditional media but also enables horizontal information flow and coordination.
- This coordination role distinguishes social media's impact on protests and hate crimes in places like Russia.
Social Media Fuels Protests
- Evidence shows social media promotes protests globally and correlates with hate crimes.
- This effect appears in diverse regions including Russia, Africa, the United States, and Germany.
Social Media Increases Polarization
- Social media increases polarization, linked to rises in xenophobia and hate crimes, as shown in Russia.
- No strong evidence yet suggests social media reduces conflict or unites people effectively.