The Impact of Social Media on Shaping Public Opinion in the Israel-Gaza Conflict

The Israel-Gaza conflict has not only played out on the ground but also in the virtual world of social media platforms like TikTok and X. Algorithms on these platforms are designed to recommend content based on users’ preferences, leading to the formation of echo chambers that reinforce existing beliefs and biases. This can have a significant impact on shaping public opinion and normalizing divisive rhetoric. In the UK, social media has mobilized politically inactive individuals, particularly young people, to take action and call for a ceasefire. However, the reliability and authenticity of the content shared on these platforms are often questioned, with users being skeptical of slick videos and expecting disinformation. The popularity of pro-Palestinian content among Gen Z users is evident, with videos using the hashtag “istandwithpalestine” receiving over 870 million views compared to “istandwithisrael” with 240 million views. Critically, the content supporting each side displays distinct characteristics, with pro-Israeli content appearing curated and polished while pro-Palestinian content resonates more with younger users, including videos from Gaza and personal opinions expressed in bedrooms. The involvement of the Israeli government and Hamas in encouraging or directing unofficial content remains a subject of debate. TikTokkers, such as an Israeli soldier named Daniel, have received mixed reactions to their content, facing both supportive users and hate speech, including antisemitic abuse. Jewish celebrities, like Sacha Baron Cohen, have accused TikTok of promoting antisemitism, leading the platform to remove content that violates its rules and guidelines. The impact of social media extends beyond TikTok, with the platform X, owned by Elon Musk, facing criticism for allowing the spread of violent, hateful, and misleading content. Although TikTok has measures in place to prevent manipulation, X has traditionally been popular among politicians and journalists, where pro-Israeli content continues to gain significant reach. Official accounts on X and Meta platforms, like Instagram and Facebook, have also been implicated in spreading disinformation, including false claims about the death of a Palestinian child and accusations of over-zealous moderation. The influence of social media in shaping public opinion and disseminating information during the Israel-Gaza conflict cannot be underestimated, highlighting the need for critical evaluation and caution when consuming and sharing content.