REPRESENTATION OF INFORMATION WARFARE ON SOCIAL MEDIA: A CONTENT ANALYSIS OF FACEBOOK REGARDING THE RECENT TENSIONS BETWEEN AFGHANISTAN AND PAKISTAN

Abstract

This study intends to analyze the representation of information warfare on Facebook in the context of the recent tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Within the framework of developments in the digital age, social media platforms have the role for shaping public perception and narrative competition. Using a quantitative content analysis approach supported by interpretive analysis, the study examined 107 Facebook posts from three selected pages during a one‑month period at the peak of the tensions. Data were coded based on a designed codebook and analyzed through descriptive statistics and inferential tests. The findings show that the representation of tensions is predominantly framed through confrontational, security-oriented, and nationalist perspectives, while peace-oriented frames occupy only a minor share. Nationalism and enemy construction also play a major role in directing content, and the opposing side is frequently represented as an “enemy.” The results further demonstrate that information warfare operates in a complex and indirect manner, while emotional and visual elements significantly contribute to increasing user engagement. Overall, Facebook can be understood as an active arena within the field of information warfare.