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Social media when terrorism strikes

The Institute for Social Research invites you to our breakfast seminar March 14: What are the uses and impact of social media when terrorism strikes?

Illustration of social media icons and reactions to paris 2015 terror attacks

SOCIAL: At the seminar, a study of the November 2015 terrorist attacks in Paris will be presented – how did citizens over the world use social media during and after the attacks? Illustration: Institute for Social Research.

The seminar will be held in English.

Social media plays an increasingly important role during major terrorist attacks, as a forum for citizens to get information, express their emotions and discuss the events. On the one hand, social media can be used to express support, and to underpin feelings of community. On the other hand, individuals may also be exposed to cyber hate and other types of violent expressions when using social media, which may in turn instigate fear and prejudice.

In this seminar we present insights from a study of the November 2015 terrorist attacks in Paris, and show how citizens in Norway, Finland, France, Spain and the US used social media during and after this tragic event.

In the seminar we ask:

  • How did citizens in these five countries use social media during and after the November 2015 Paris attacks?
  • Did people experience an extensive amount of online hate after the terrorist attacks, and if so, how did they react?
  • Does social media use have any effects in terms of feelings of fear and trust in political institutions?

Time and place

Wednesday March 14, 08.30–10.30 (breakfast will be served from 08.30)

Institute for Social Research, Munthes gate 31, Oslo, Norway

Program

09.00–09.15 Welcome, introduction about the project and the study, Kari Steen-Johnsen

09.15–09.30 The use of social media and mass media during the Paris attacks: Implications for fear and trust among citizens, Bernard Enjolras

09.30–09.50 Online hate after terrorist attacks and its consequences, Atte Oksanen

09.50–10.10 Prepared comments by Inger Johanne Fjellanger, Senior Communications Advisor (The Norwegian Directorate for Civil Protection) and Mareile Kaufmann, PhD (UiO and PRIO). 

10.10–10.30 Panel discussion and questions from the audience.

Published Feb. 15, 2018 9:50 AM - Last modified Feb. 15, 2024 9:06 AM