Social fragmentation, group polarization and disinformation in Kazakhstani social networks

Grant Funding 2022-2024
Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan

The main purpose of this project is to understand the dynamics of group polarization in social networks, which can lead to social fragmentation and conflict. The next important goal of this project is to develop a set of policy recommendations aimed at mitigating the polarizing role of social media. The research question that this project is aimed at answering: what is the role of social networks in 1)the spread of fake news, disinformation and conspiracy theories 2) inter-ethnic and other social conflicts 3) in general social fragmentation and polarization.

The results of the study will help solve important problems that the government is facing. These issues include ethnic conflicts, the spread of fake news and disinformation, and a lack of public trust in government decisions. We will develop practical guidelines to help combat the spread of fake news and help prevent violence and conflict in society.

Upon successful completion of the project, the following results are expected to be achieved: - at least 1 (one) article or review in a peer-reviewed scientific publication indexed in the Social Science Citation Index or Arts and Humanities Citation Index of the Web of Science base and (or) having a CiteScore percentile in the Scopus base of at least 35 (thirty five);
- at least 2 (two) articles and (or) reviews in peer-reviewed foreign and (or) domestic publications recommended by COXON;
- either at least 1 (one) article or review in a peer-reviewed scientific publication included in the 1 (first) or 2 (second) quartile by impact factor in the Web of Science database;
- either at least 2 (two) articles and (or) reviews in peer-reviewed scientific publications indexed in the Arts and Humanities Citation Index of the Web of Science database;

In terms of the practical application of the results, we plan to develop recommendations that will be disseminated in various seminars and forums of academic and practitioners. In terms of target consumers, we plan to work closely with government agencies responsible for media regulation. The expected policy recommendations, if implemented, could have a profound impact, which in turn could positively impact the socio-economic development of the country.
Finally, the results of the study will be disseminated at international conferences, seminars and forums. As a next step, we hope to apply for an international grant to conduct larger research.