Comparative Insights on Social Media as an Atrocity Prevention Tool: Policy Implications

This article examines the role of digital platforms as policy-relevant instruments in atrocity prevention through a comparative analysis of social media campaigns in Canada and Syria. It investigates how virtual spaces facilitate truth-telling and document human rights abuses in the contexts of both historical injustices and ongoing mass violence. By analyzing hashtag campaigns such as #SaveSyria and #TruthAndReconciliation, the article highlights how differences in temporal proximity to atrocities and audience focus shape digital activism strategies. While social media can amplify marginal voices, foster collective memory, and influence public discourse, its prevention potential is constrained by challenges such as stakeholder engagement, competing narratives, and the digital divide. The findings inform policymakers and practitioners on how to design and adapt digital tools within broader atrocity prevention frameworks, tailoring policy instruments to diverse governance settings.