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Intensified Online Opinion Clashes with Salient Group Identity

Author

Listed:
  • Xintong Han

    (Concordia University and CIREQ, Department of Economics, 1455 Boulevard de Maisonneuve Ouest, Concordia University, Montreal, H3G 1M8, Canada)

  • Mantian Mandy Hu

    (Chinese University of Hong Kong, School of Business, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong, SAR)

Abstract

We collect data from Hong Kong’s foremost news media outlets’ Facebook pages from 2019 to 2020 to examine clashes of opinion on the social media platform. We find that specific writing habits signify users’ backgrounds and elicit group segregation cues from readers. An increase in pro-police comments written in Simplified Chinese induces a more polarized reaction from the opposite side compared with comments written in Traditional Chinese. The opposite side produces more anti-police comments and demands for regional independence in response. However, content generated by suspected internet water armies alleviates the clashes. The results reveal the factors that affect opinion polarization on social media platforms. They demonstrate the need for debiasing intervention and regulation.

Suggested Citation

  • Xintong Han & Mantian Mandy Hu, 2021. "Intensified Online Opinion Clashes with Salient Group Identity," Working Papers 21-04, NET Institute.
    • Handle: RePEc:net:wpaper:2104
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    social media; ideological clashes; protest; writing habits;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D71 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Social Choice; Clubs; Committees; Associations
    • L82 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Services - - - Entertainment; Media
    • P48 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Other Economic Systems - - - Legal Institutions; Property Rights; Natural Resources; Energy; Environment; Regional Studies
    • P51 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Comparative Economic Systems - - - Comparative Analysis of Economic Systems

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