Open access
Author
Date
2023-06Type
- Report
ETH Bibliography
yes
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Abstract
“Contact Theory” is a robust academic theory showing that contact between groups typically reduces prejudice and improves intergroup relations. Bringing adversaries together is a prominent peacebuilding strategy and a significant part of any dialogue, negotiation, or mediation process: at some point, parties meet. At the same time, accelerated processes of digitalization in the 21st century have drastically changed the possibilities for interpersonal encounters. Now meeting online, in electronically mediated interactions, is both possible and commonplace. The question then arises: to what extent is intergroup contact effective in positively influencing intergroup attitudes and relations online? Reviewing both current academic literature and experiences from practice, this paper attempts to answer this question and provide initial guidance to peace practitioners who – whether by choice or necessity – organize encounters between groups in conflict online. Show more
Permanent link
https://doi.org/10.3929/ethz-b-000619278Publication status
publishedEditor
Journal / series
CSS Mediation ResourcesPublisher
Center for Security Studies (CSS), ETH ZurichSubject
Online dialogue; Mediation; Facilitation; Contact Theory; Social PsychologyOrganisational unit
03515 - Wenger, Andreas / Wenger, Andreas
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ETH Bibliography
yes
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