Impact of Social Media on Social Cohesion. Disinformation & Hate Speech during the Ethiopian Civil War (2020-2022)

Master's Thesis from the year 2024 in the subject Politics - Topic: Peace and Conflict, Security, grade: A, Addis Ababa University (Peace & Security studies), course: Peace & Security, language: English, abstract: The Ethiopian civil war 2020-2022 underscores the profound impact of social media on social cohesion, with platforms like Facebook and Twitter significantly shaping narratives and public discourse. This study delves into how the spread of disinformation and hate speech on social media has intensified ethnic tensions and eroded trust within communities. By conducting a comprehensive literature review and employing qualitative methods such as content analysis and stakeholder interviews, the research investigates the role of these platforms in expanding divisions and escalating conflict. It identifies predominant narratives that fuel polarization and highlights the critical need for robust content moderation and regulatory frameworks. The study emphasizes the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration, involving policymakers, social media companies, civil society, and international organizations, to address the adverse effects of social media. Effective management of social media's influence in contemporary conflicts requires balancing freedom of expression with the prevention of harmful content.