[Air-L] New Book: Digital Contention in a Divided Society

[Paul J Reilly]

Dear all,



Apologies for cross-posting.



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


Dr Paul Reilly SFHEA
Senior Lecturer in Social Media & Digital Society
Deputy Director of Learning and Teaching
Information School
University of Sheffield
235 Regent Court
211 Portobello
Sheffield
S1 4DP

Tel: +44 (0) 114 222 2647
Email: P.J.Reilly at sheffield.ac.uk
Twitter: @PaulJReilly <http://www.twitter.com/PaulJReilly>

Recent Publications:

Reilly, P.J. (2021) *Digital contention in a divided society: social media,
parades and protests in Northern Ireland.*
<https://manchesteruniversitypress.co.uk/9780719087073/#> Manchester:
Manchester University Press.

Reilly, P.J. (2020).  <http://eprints.whiterose.ac.uk/162610/>Digital media
and disinformation in a deeply divided society: Reflections from
‘post-conflict’ Northern Ireland <http://eprints.whiterose.ac.uk/162610/>.
In E. Kużelewska., G.Terzis., D.Trottier & D. Kloza (Eds.) *Disinformation
and Digital Media as a Challenge for Democracy*, European Integration and
Democracy Series, Volume 6, (pp. 179-200). Cambridge: Intersentia.


Reilly, P.J. (2020). PSNIRA vs. peaceful protesters? YouTube,
‘sousveillance’ and the policing of the union flag protests
<https://journals.uic.edu/ojs/index.php/fm/article/view/10232>, *First
Monday* 25(2)- 3 February. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5210/fm.v25i2.10232