Field and river

20th International Conference of Ethiopian Studies (ICES20)
Mekelle University, Ethiopia

"Regional and Global Ethiopia - Interconnections and Identities"
1-5 October, 2018

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ETHIOPIANS ON SOCIAL MEDIA: UNDERSTANDING THE NATURE OF PREJUDICE AND HATE COMMUNICATION TOWARDS THE “TEGARU” ETHNIC COMMUNITY [Abstract ID: 0903-03]

WOLDEGIORGIS Ghebrehiwot Teklay, Journalist, Media & Communications Expert, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

This paper explores the nature of prejudice and hates messages as manifested on social media (specifically on Facebook) towards the “Tegaru” ethnic community in Ethiopia as expressed by other Ethiopians, with “Tegaru” or “Tigreans” being among the 85 ethnic groups of Ethiopia speaking primarily the Tigrigna language and residing in the Northern part of Ethiopia bordering Eritrea.
The paper applies a qualitative content analysis to its data mined from Facebook users, which highlights the existence of prejudice and hate messages towards this ethnic group. Results of this research may help to inspire an exchange of ideas among Ethiopians, raising questions on the nature of the interaction of the Ethiopian social media community and highlights the use of such platforms to spread prejudice and hate.