A Comparison of ‘Organizing Forces’ on Reddit and YouTube Networks: Insights From the France Riots of 2023

Abstract

Social networks are highly effective in mobilizing individuals toward collective action. However, such endeavors to rally large groups risk escalating into violent actions, eroding social unity and provoking societal unrest. The information consumption patterns vary considerably across different platforms through which it is disseminated, with platform-specific characteristics significantly impacting how users interact and disseminate information. Nevertheless, this distinctive characteristic has received minimal attention in the literature. Considering these differences, we seek to understand the mechanisms underlying information dissemination on social networks in the context of mob violence and protests. We conducted a comparative analysis of communication on the Reddit and YouTube networks about the riots in France in 2023. By utilizing social network analysis, we clarify the differences in information dissemination across these networks and contribute to information systems literature on social media actions with theoretical and methodological insights into the dissemination of information about riots.