Can a hashtag help prevent atrocities? Study shows social media can be a powerful tool
Peer-Reviewed Publication
Updates every hour. Last Updated: 18-Jan-2026 05:11 ET (18-Jan-2026 10:11 GMT/UTC)
Social media is often criticized for fueling misinformation and violence, but it could actually play a role in preventing genocide and mass atrocities – if used strategically.
A new paper co-authored by Binghamton University Professor of Genocide and Mass Atrocity Prevention Eric Wiebelhaus-Brahm examined social media hashtag campaigns during times of crisis and found that digital platforms can aid in atrocity prevention if they are tailored to the context of the crisis at hand.
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