The popularisation of social media through platforms such as Facebook has seen a corresponding increase in fake news, disinformation and hate speech in recent years. In some countries, social media platforms are being used as a tool to foment ethnic conflicts. The central argument of this study, therefore, is that Zambia is slowly diving into ethnic divisions propelled by unregulated social media platforms such as Facebook and WhatsApp. A scoping review was conducted on the role of social media in ethnic conflicts and its potential to disrupt state-building in Zambia. A comprehensive literature search was conducted on social media platforms as part of the scoping review. The study is informed by BojanBlagojevic's (2009) model to understand the causes and complexity of the ethnic conflict.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Literature Review
3. Conceptual and Theoretical Framework
3.1 Theoretical Framework
4. Methodology
5. Findings and Discussion
6. Conclusion
Research Objectives and Core Themes
This study aims to examine the role of social media platforms, particularly Facebook and WhatsApp, in escalating ethnic divisions and conflicts within Zambia. By conducting a scoping review and applying a theoretical model of ethnic conflict, the research explores how unregulated digital communication and political manipulation contribute to hate speech, disinformation, and the potential for large-scale social instability, drawing parallels to international precedents.
- The impact of social media on ethnic polarization and state-building.
- The role of "political entrepreneurs" in manipulating digital discourse.
- The dissemination of fake news and hate speech as tools for ethnic mobilization.
- Lessons learned from global case studies like Myanmar and Sri Lanka regarding social media-induced violence.
Excerpt from the Publication
Introduction
Ethnicity has taken a share of the most world's atrocities and violence. Ethnic clashes that have become the order of the day are responsible for the distractions and have greatly affected social-political and human development in most of the witnessed countries. Bukali (2011) notes that ethnic conflicts have the potential to undermine economic and social-political development because it slows down growth and development as resources are diverted to maintaining peace and security in affected areas. Bukali adds that ethnic conflicts also destroy physical infrastructure; cause brain drain; and curtail foreign investments. Kuffour et al (2014) amplify Bukali's argument by submitting that ethnic conflicts have generated internecine wars of grave effects and truncating development and democratic institutions in many pluralistic societies, thereby destabilising the nation-state in many African countries.
Ethnic conflicts create a haven for tension in people and relationships become strained and as a result, things that could be done within a short time have to go through lengthy procedures or any not done at all. Nyalemegbe (2011) observes that parties become suspicious of each other and the situation saps a lot of energy and may drive people displaced. In such countries, nothing much to talk about can be achieved unless concrete steps are taken to bring down tensions and deal with the conflict situation.
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: Provides the foundational context of how ethnic conflicts hinder development and outlines the increasing role of social media in facilitating hate speech and division globally.
Literature Review: Analyzes previous studies on the role of social media in fueling ethnic violence, focusing on specific examples from Myanmar and Kenya.
Conceptual and Theoretical Framework: Introduces the model used for analysis and defines the role of ethnicity in social contexts.
Theoretical Framework: Details the Instrumentalism theory and the political entrepreneur theory to explain how ethnic tensions are manipulated for power.
Methodology: Describes the qualitative scoping review approach used to analyze the impact of social media on ethnic conflict in Zambia.
Findings and Discussion: Discusses how political entrepreneurs in Zambia utilize social media for smear campaigns and ethnic mobilization, echoing global trends of digital propaganda.
Conclusion: Synthesizes the findings, confirming that political manipulation combined with social media frenzies are major catalysts for ethnic conflict, and calls for awareness to prevent further escalation.
Key Terms
Social Media, Ethnic conflicts, Hate speech, Platforms, Role, Facebook, Political Entrepreneurship, Disinformation, Fake News, State-building, Zambia, Ethnic Polarization, Propaganda, Instrumentalism Theory.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research paper?
The paper investigates how social media platforms act as a catalyst for ethnic conflict and division in the context of modern Zambia.
What are the primary themes discussed in the study?
Key themes include the impact of disinformation, the role of political actors in exploiting ethnic tensions, and the parallels between the situation in Zambia and other countries like Myanmar or Sri Lanka.
What is the main research question or objective?
The objective is to understand how unregulated social media use propels ethnic divisions and to determine whether social media functions as a tool for fomenting conflict in Zambia.
Which scientific methodology is employed?
The study utilizes a qualitative scoping review, conducting a comprehensive literature search to map concepts and examine emerging evidence on the relationship between social media and ethnic conflict.
What aspects are covered in the main body of the work?
The body covers theoretical frameworks (Instrumentalism, political entrepreneurship), analysis of local and international political rhetoric, and a review of documented social media abuses.
Which keywords best describe this study?
Key terms include Social Media, Ethnic conflicts, Hate speech, political entrepreneurship, disinformation, and Zambia.
How does the author define 'political entrepreneurship'?
It is defined as a strategy where leaders manipulate historical grievances and ethnic emotions to mobilize populations and consolidate power, often using "divide and rule" tactics.
Why are Myanmar and Sri Lanka used as case studies in this paper?
They serve as cautionary examples of how social media, when weaponized by authorities or nationalist groups, can lead to widespread ethnic cleansing and mass violence.
What is the significance of the "One Zambia One Nation" motto in this analysis?
The author uses this motto to highlight how divisive rhetoric on social media constitutes a direct assault on the nation's unitary foundation and democratic peace.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Jive Lubbungu (Autor:in), Florence Banda (Autor:in), 2021, Is Social Media Platform a Recipe for Ethnic conflicts? Lessons for Zambia, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1038924
