Digital Peace: The Role of Social Media in Conflict Escalation and De-escalation

Abstract

In the contemporary digital era, social media platforms have become central arenas where global conflicts are both amplified and mitigated. This article examines the dual role of social media in conflict dynamics, framing it as a double-edged sword capable of escalating tensions through algorithmic amplification of misinformation and hate speech, while also serving as a potent tool for de-escalation and peacebuilding. Through a mixed-methods analysis of case studies from Sudan, Ethiopia, Ukraine, and Myanmar, the study demonstrates how platform architectures, particularly algorithmic prioritization of engagement, systematically fuel polarization and mobilize violence by creating affective echo chambers. Conversely, the findings also reveal how grassroots actors strategically co-opt these same platforms to disseminate counter-narratives, coordinate humanitarian aid, and foster cross-community dialogue, as evidenced by campaigns like #SudanStandsTogether. The analysis further identifies critical platform-specific features and the inconsistent application of content moderation as key factors influencing these divergent outcomes. The article concludes that the trajectory of conflict in the digital age is not technologically predetermined but is shaped by the complex interplay of algorithmic design, user agency, and external political pressures. It thus calls for a multi-stakeholder approach involving platform developers, policymakers, and peacebuilders to ethically redesign digital spaces and harness the untapped potential of social media for fostering sustainable digital peace.

Keywords: Social Media, Conflict Escalation, Conflict De-escalation, Algorithmic Amplification, Digital Peacebuilding, Misinformation, Content Moderation, Networked Publics