Digital Contention in a Divided Society Social Media, Parades and Protests in Northern Ireland

Representing the first in-depth qualitative study of how social media such as Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube are used to mediate contentious public parades and protests in Northern Ireland, this book explores the implications of mis-and dis-information spread via online platforms for peacebuilding in societies transitioning out of conflict.

'A timely historical account cataloguing a rich collection of the author's empirical research, the book evinces continuity in polarisation among Northern Irish communities online. Showing how the use of social media adds further complexity to community relations, Reilly meticulously dispels earlier techno-optimism while further contextualising the algorithmic power of social media.'
Dan Mercea, Reader in Media and Communication, City, University of London

‘A must read for scholars and students seeking to understand the complex roles which digital technologies play in socio-political life, as well as for those seeking to understand the dynamics of present day Northern Ireland and how it might face the challenges of a post-Brexit world.'
Darren Lilleker, Professor of Political Communication, Bournemouth University

Digital contention in a divided society explores how social media are used by citizens to frame contentious parades and protests in ‘post-conflict’ Northern Ireland. It provides the first in-depth analysis of how Facebook, Twitter and YouTube were used by citizens to contest the 2013 union flag protests and the Ardoyne parade dispute (2014 and 2015). An essential read for researchers interested in digital mis- and disinformation, this book examines how citizens engaged with false information circulating on these platforms that had the potential to inflame sectarian tensions during these contentious episodes. Reilly also considers the implications of this online activity for efforts to build peace in deeply divided societies such as Northern Ireland.

The book uses a qualitative thematic approach to analyse Facebook, Twitter and YouTube content generated during the flag protests and Ardoyne parade dispute between 2012 and 2016. It also draws on semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders including bloggers, political commentators, and communication officers from the main political parties, as well as the results of a qualitative content analysis of newspaper coverage of these contentious public demonstrations. This book is essential reading for those wishing to further understand the role of digital media in social movements, contentious public demonstrations, and peacebuilding within deeply divided societies.

How are platforms such as Facebook and Twitter (now X) 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 channels were used during the union flag protests (December 2012—March 2013) and the Ardoyne parade disputes (July 2014 and 2015). This updated version also examines the role of online platforms in the April 2021 'Brexit riots'. 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.