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A Multidimensional Analysis of YouTube Communities in the Indo-Pacific Region

Authors:
Ugochukwu Onyepunuka
Thomas Marcoux
Mainuddin Shaik
Mayor Gurung
Nitin Agarwal

Keywords: indo-pacific; china; uyghur; youtube; misinformation; social media; information operations; cyber influence campaigns

Abstract:
Although YouTube is the second most used social media platform in the world today, there is a need for more systematic research on video-based social network platforms, as few studies provide insights into the dynamics of their online discourse. Data, such as comments and other user engagement statistics, give insight into what information content creators are spreading and what moves communities. The analytical framework utilized in this research presents a multidimensional view into the geopolitical discourse on YouTube, with a focus on the Indo-Pacific region. We identified major YouTube channels that were discourse movers on polarizing topics, such as the treatment of Uyghur muslims, and COVID-19. We provided context on information consumption behaviors of these communities, as well as the engagement trends within these channels. This revealed segregated communities that often engaged in toxic behavior when clashing with opposite communities, as well as some inorganic engagement trends, allowing us to identify communities that may use automated means to push their narrative.

Pages: 20 to 25

Copyright: Copyright (c) IARIA, 2022

Publication date: October 16, 2022

Published in: conference

ISSN: 2326-9294

ISBN: 978-1-68558-002-5

Location: Lisbon, Portugal

Dates: from October 16, 2022 to October 20, 2022