Social media debates can drive collective action

Online conflict may strengthen social movements rather than undermine them, according to research from McGill Desautels' Emmanuelle Vaast, Professor of Information Systems, Vice-Dean of Research. Examining nearly 1.9 million posts related to the 2019 global climate strikes, researchers found that social media can bring distinct movements into conversation, allowing them to work through disagreements and eventually unite around shared goals.

“Conflict did not weaken the movement,” Vaast said. “Co-operation and disagreement evolved together.” The findings challenge assumptions that heated debate impedes collective action, showing instead how online exchanges can help diverse groups build common ground and mobilize globally.