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- Brief created: 2024
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Cyberspace Xenophobia in South Africa
Brief about:
Chapter in an Edited Book (2022)
Written by:
Other researchers:
This research investigates how cyberspace, particularly social media, has become a key platform for the expression and mobilization of xenophobic sentiments and actions against African migrants in South Africa.
The research examines the growing significance of cyberspace as a space for xenophobic engagement, beyond the well-documented physical and public spaces. Social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook are increasingly used by South Africans to express and spread anti-immigrant sentiments targeting African migrants.
These sentiments are fueled by false narratives, including accusations that African migrants are responsible for high crime rates, unemployment, and the collapse of public services. These online discussions frequently translate into real-world mobilizations, with social media serving as a tool for organizing xenophobic protests and violence. The study underscores the need to recognize cyberspace as a critical area of intervention to combat xenophobia in South Africa. It aims to contribute to the broader understanding of how digital platforms exacerbate social tensions and drive hostile actions against vulnerable groups.
Key findings
- Cyberspace is a critical platform for xenophobic engagement against African migrants.Evidence
Out of 100 social media posts analyzed, 30 were selected for thematic analysis. These comments on Twitter and Facebook from South African users between September 2019 and March 2020 displayed widespread xenophobic narratives, accusing African migrants of worsening local conditions, such as unemployment and crime.
What it meansThe research highlights the growing role of social media in shaping xenophobic attitudes and actions, making cyberspace a vital space for intervention.
- False beliefs about African migrants dominate social media discussions.Evidence
Posts analyzed included assertions that African migrants were the main contributors to crime, unemployment, and the breakdown of public services. Examples include claims that migrants take South African jobs and are responsible for the country's high crime rates, especially drug-related offenses. False narratives such as African migrants constituting 80% of certain cities were common.
What it meansThese false beliefs contribute significantly to hostility toward African migrants, showing how misinformation spreads through social media platforms and influences public opinion.
- Xenophobic attitudes are present across socio-economic classes.Evidence
Contrary to the perception that xenophobia is driven solely by the poor or uneducated, the study found xenophobic sentiments among middle-class and educated users on platforms like Twitter, which is considered more elitist. Prominent public figures, including politicians and celebrities, were also found to contribute to these narratives.
What it meansXenophobia is not limited to any specific social class, demonstrating that it is a widespread societal issue in South Africa.
- Social media enables the mobilization of real-world xenophobic actions.Evidence
Movements like #PutSouthAfricansFirst and #NigeriansMustGo, which gained traction in 2020, were organized and spread through Twitter and Facebook. These movements resulted in xenophobic protests, including violent attacks on African migrant communities. Notably, a former soldier orchestrated some of these campaigns, showing the link between online narratives and physical violence.
What it meansSocial media provides an effective platform for organizing xenophobic violence, linking digital and real-world spaces of conflict.
Proposed action
- Better regulate social media to prevent the spread of false information
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Cyberspace Xenophobia in South Africa
Cite this brief: Isike, Efe Mary. 'Cyberspace Xenophobia in South Africa'. Acume. https://www.acume.org/r/cyberspace-xenophobia-in-south-africa/
Brief created by: Dr Efe Mary Isike | Year brief made: 2024
Original research:
- Isike, C., Isike, E. M., & Olaitan, Z., Cyberspace Xenophobia in South Africa In Conflict and Concord, (pp. 85–108), Singapore: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-19-1033-3_5. –
Research brief:
The research examines the growing significance of cyberspace as a space for xenophobic engagement, beyond the well-documented physical and public spaces. Social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook are increasingly used by South Africans to express and spread anti-immigrant sentiments targeting African migrants. These sentiments are fueled by false narratives, including accusations that African…
The research examines the growing significance of cyberspace as a space for xenophobic engagement, beyond the well-documented physical and public spaces. Social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook are increasingly used by South Africans to express and spread anti-immigrant sentiments targeting African migrants.
These sentiments are fueled by false narratives, including accusations that African migrants are responsible for high crime rates, unemployment, and the collapse of public services. These online discussions frequently translate into real-world mobilizations, with social media serving as a tool for organizing xenophobic protests and violence. The study underscores the need to recognize cyberspace as a critical area of intervention to combat xenophobia in South Africa. It aims to contribute to the broader understanding of how digital platforms exacerbate social tensions and drive hostile actions against vulnerable groups.
Findings:
Cyberspace is a critical platform for xenophobic engagement against African migrants.
Out of 100 social media posts analyzed, 30 were selected for thematic analysis. These comments on Twitter and Facebook from South African users between September 2019 and March 2020 displayed widespread xenophobic narratives, accusing African migrants of worsening local conditions, such as unemployment and crime.
The research highlights the growing role of social media in shaping xenophobic attitudes and actions, making cyberspace a vital space for intervention.
False beliefs about African migrants dominate social media discussions.
Posts analyzed included assertions that African migrants were the main contributors to crime, unemployment, and the breakdown of public services. Examples include claims that migrants take South African jobs and are responsible for the country’s high crime rates, especially drug-related offenses. False narratives such as African migrants constituting 80% of certain cities were common.
These false beliefs contribute significantly to hostility toward African migrants, showing how misinformation spreads through social media platforms and influences public opinion.
Xenophobic attitudes are present across socio-economic classes.
Contrary to the perception that xenophobia is driven solely by the poor or uneducated, the study found xenophobic sentiments among middle-class and educated users on platforms like Twitter, which is considered more elitist. Prominent public figures, including politicians and celebrities, were also found to contribute to these narratives.
Xenophobia is not limited to any specific social class, demonstrating that it is a widespread societal issue in South Africa.
Social media enables the mobilization of real-world xenophobic actions.
Movements like #PutSouthAfricansFirst and #NigeriansMustGo, which gained traction in 2020, were organized and spread through Twitter and Facebook. These movements resulted in xenophobic protests, including violent attacks on African migrant communities. Notably, a former soldier orchestrated some of these campaigns, showing the link between online narratives and physical violence.
Social media provides an effective platform for organizing xenophobic violence, linking digital and real-world spaces of conflict.
Advice:
Better regulate social media to prevent the spread of false information