Digital Contention in a Divided Society: Social Media, Parades and Protests in Northern Ireland Hardback - 2021

'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.