[Commlist] New Book: Digital Contention in a Divided Society

My new book /Digital Contention in a Divided Society: Social media, 
parades and protests in Northern Ireland /has just been published by 
Manchester University Press. It can be purchased here 
<https://manchesteruniversitypress.co.uk/9780719087073/>.

There will be a book launch hosted by John Coster (Doc Media Centre) on 
Friday 29 January (1-2pm). Full details on how to register can be found 
here <https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/2686544924538894350>

A description of the book can be found below.

Best Wishes

Paul

Digital Contention in a Divided Society: Social media, parades and 
protests in Northern Ireland

By Paul Reilly

How are platforms such as Facebook and Twitter used by citizens to frame 
contentious parades and protests in 'post-conflict' Northern Ireland? 
What do these contentious episodes tell us about the potential of 
information and communication technologies to promote positive 
intergroup contact in the deeply divided society? These issues are 
addressed in what is the first in-depth qualitative exploration of how 
social media were used during the union flag protests (December 
2012-March 2013) and the Ardoyne parade disputes (July 2014 and 2015). 
The book focuses on the extent to which affective publics, mobilised and 
connected via expressions of solidarity on social media, appear to 
escalate or de-escalate sectarian tensions caused by these hybrid media 
events. It also explores whether citizen activity on these online 
platforms has the potential to contribute to peacebuilding in Northern 
Ireland.

Reviews of /Digital Contention in a Divided Society/

'Much that is written about the politics of Northern Ireland is based on 
highly selective accounts of the available evidence. Reilly eschews this 
approach, subjecting the political use of social media to sustained 
critique in this empirically rich study. In so doing, he makes a very 
valuable contribution to scholarship.'

Phil Ramsey, Lecturer in the School of Communication and Media, Ulster 
University

'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, for instance 
through the pointed concept of 'silly citizenship', 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

'While the darkest days of Northern Ireland's 'troubles' are over, the 
divisions have left lasting scars and in the twenty-first century the 
competing interpretations of the conflict and the country's 
constitutional status remain entrenched. Reilly's work explores the 
contribution of digital citizenship to peacebuilding within this complex 
context. The comprehensive and engaging analysis explores how a society 
beset with deeply held prejudices form online communities, share content 
and can be misled by misinformation so contributing to a range of wider 
debates on the role of digital media. As with many studies Reilly 
identifies positives, such as Citizen Assemblies and accounts that 
scrutinize decision making, as well as the acts of 'silly citizenship' 
which satires sectarianism and can exacerbate divide. Reilly's work is 
an important contribution to our understanding of digital politics, how 
platforms can be a force for good or ill depending on the motivations 
and behaviour of users, and how forms of digital citizenship can support 
or disrupt societal healing processes. Reilly's study is 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

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