Social Media for Conflict Escalation and De-escalation: Two Sides of A Coin

Abstract

This study examined the dual role of social media in shaping conflict dynamics, with particular emphasis on its capacity to both escalate and de-escalate conflicts. In the modern digital age, social media sites have emerged as a potent means of communication, dissemination of information as well as mobilisation. Such platforms have however been cited to have propagated misinformation, hate speech as well as escalated social tensions in various contexts. The study adopted a qualitative exploratory research design research design relying on secondary data sources such as scholarly literature, reports, and documented case studies. It is conducted based on the conflict escalation model by Glasl, the Resource Mobilisation Theory and the theory of conflict dynamics by Collins as a generic understanding of the development of conflicts in digital environments. As the findings show, social media is a major influence in escalation of conflicts due to speed in passing information, amplification of emotions, and mobilising masses. Meanwhile, it can also be concluded that social media can be used as a two-sided instrument in the conflict processes, and its effects mostly depend on the usage patterns, the governance frameworks, and the user behaviour. It suggests the establishment of moderate regulation measures and strategic intercessions to reduce the negative impacts and improve its efforts in advancing peace and social unity.