For the past two years, media have been flooded with images of the Russo-Ukrainian war, heightening feelings of uncertainty and insecurity among young people. For those under 30, this was their first experience of a war narrative close to Europe, primarily viewed through social media. In this chapter, we examine how Italian youths aged 18-19 engage with the topic of war and the influence of social networks in shaping their perception around it. The study combines digital data analysis and qualitative research (focus groups) to explore how young people process war, especially on TikTok, using emotional or ironic content. Findings indicate increased concern among young people about international conflicts, leading to pessimistic and resigned attitudes. The digital infodemic exacerbates their insecurities, making it hard to find reliable news sources. Despite the prevalence of digital media, traditional media like television remain primary news sources for many. Irony as a coping mechanism is seen as valuable but should serve a meaningful purpose, like raising awareness on serious issues.

Far away so close : Young Italians and the consumption of war images in social networks / E. Colombo, G. Giorgi, P. Rebughini - In: Dynamics of Uncertainty, Unrest and Fragility in Europe : In the Shadow of the Ukraine and Migration Crises / [a cura di] M. Banas, V. Puuronen. - [s.l] : Routledge, 2024. - ISBN 9781003472353. - pp. 13-30 [10.4324/9781003472353-2]

Far away so close : Young Italians and the consumption of war images in social networks

E. Colombo
Primo
;
G. Giorgi
Secondo
;
P. Rebughini
Ultimo
2024

Abstract

For the past two years, media have been flooded with images of the Russo-Ukrainian war, heightening feelings of uncertainty and insecurity among young people. For those under 30, this was their first experience of a war narrative close to Europe, primarily viewed through social media. In this chapter, we examine how Italian youths aged 18-19 engage with the topic of war and the influence of social networks in shaping their perception around it. The study combines digital data analysis and qualitative research (focus groups) to explore how young people process war, especially on TikTok, using emotional or ironic content. Findings indicate increased concern among young people about international conflicts, leading to pessimistic and resigned attitudes. The digital infodemic exacerbates their insecurities, making it hard to find reliable news sources. Despite the prevalence of digital media, traditional media like television remain primary news sources for many. Irony as a coping mechanism is seen as valuable but should serve a meaningful purpose, like raising awareness on serious issues.
Settore GSPS-06/A - Sociologia dei processi culturali e comunicativi
2024
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/2434/1132875
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