What is social conflict?4 answersSocial conflict refers to violent feuds or physical clashes between community groups, leading to insecurity, social disintegration, and disrupting stability and development. Conflict is inherent in human life, serving as a catalyst for socio-political dynamics and change, with both positive and negative impacts. Coser categorizes social conflicts into realistic, non-realistic, in-group, and out-group conflicts, highlighting their functions and outcomes. Various social environments contribute to conflict generation, necessitating an understanding of the sources of social struggles for effective conflict resolution. Chronic disagreements in workplaces often stem from structural, organizational, and relational issues, leading to tensions and conflicts that require prevention and resolution strategies. Overall, social conflict is a complex phenomenon influenced by social, economic, and political factors, impacting individuals, groups, and societies.
Importance of Social Media in Modern Conflicts?5 answersSocial media plays a crucial role in modern conflicts by influencing communication, information dissemination, and participation. It has become a significant tool during crises, such as natural disasters, civil wars, and political conflicts, enabling real-time updates and engaging a wide range of participants, including civilians. Social media platforms like Facebook have facilitated communication among protestors during events like the Arab Spring. However, the use of social media in conflicts is not without challenges, as it can also lead to the spread of fake news, terrorism propaganda, and disinformation, impacting trust and legitimacy. Despite its advantages in overcoming traditional communication barriers, social media's role in conflicts requires careful consideration due to issues of credibility and the multiplicity of narratives.
How does social identity mediates relationship between violent conflict and social development?5 answersSocial identity plays a mediating role in the relationship between violent conflict and social development. Individuals' experience of political violence is shaped by the groups they belong to, and social identity processes influence their attitudes and behaviors. Competing social identities can lead to group conflict, but they can also foster individual belonging and bring together groups in conflict. In conflict-affected regions like Northern Ireland, national identification mediates the impact of direct political violence on well-being. Understanding how youth develop social identities and the consequences for peaceful and violent behaviors is crucial for designing effective policies and interventions. Overall, social identity is a key factor in understanding the dynamics of violent conflict and its impact on social development.
How does social media impact civil wars?4 answersSocial media has a significant impact on civil wars. It has been found that more time spent on social media, greater social media penetration, and the specific manner in which elites use social media are associated with an increased number and severity of civil conflicts. Social media also plays a role in the peace process, as it can be used as a tool for dialogue, debate, organization, and mobilization, and can influence public sentiment towards the peace process. Rebel organizations in civil conflicts can use social media as a form of public diplomacy to garner international support by projecting a favorable image and clarifying their intentions and the atrocities perpetrated by the government. Additionally, social media has revolutionized the way conflicts are witnessed, allowing for the quick and widespread dissemination of images and news, which can either promote peace or facilitate illicit operations that spread instability and violence. Overall, social media has become a vital tool in times of conflict and crisis, including civil wars.
Does Social Media Influence Conflict? Evidence from the 2012 Gaza Conflict?4 answersSocial media has been found to influence conflict dynamics, as evidenced by studies on the 2012 Gaza Conflict. Specifically, shifts in international public support via social media have been shown to reduce conflict intensity, particularly for Israel. This effect is greater than the influence of key international actors such as the United States, Egypt, and United Nations. Additionally, social media has been found to change traditional-media news on conflicts, with online posts by citizen journalists altering the extent, tonality, and content of traditional-media reporting. This shift towards information from ordinary people has been shown to focus more on the suffering of civilians and less on the role of foreign policy or elections, potentially favoring the side of the conflict with more civilian casualties. Overall, social media's influence on conflict is complex and multifaceted, shaping the strategies of conflict actors and the narratives surrounding conflicts.
To what extent is social media induced conflict a problem?5 answersSocial media induced conflict is a significant problem due to its influence on communication, information dissemination, and the shaping of conflict itself. Social media reduces the costs of communication and increases the speed and dissemination of information, making it a powerful tool for politicians, leaders, insurgents, and protestors. It has played a role in shaping national and global political landscapes, as seen in incidents like the Iranian elections and popular uprisings in North Africa and the Middle East. Moreover, social media's role in spreading misinformation has contributed to rising political polarization. In the case of Manipur, social media has exacerbated ethnic tensions and the hill-valley divide, with local media being greatly influenced by local politics. Overall, social media induced conflict poses challenges in terms of communication, information integrity, and societal divisions.