Affective publics in Arabic YouTube

An analysis of 67,725 YouTube comments related to socio-political topics in Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Jordan, and Syria reveals a predominantly negative emotional register across the Arabic YouTube sphere. The study indicates the presence of a single regional 'affective public' rather than distinct national ones, characterized by similar negative sentiment and emotional profiles. While a shared emotional landscape exists, regional variations manifest through discourse focused on country-level political actors and shared historical traumas. Notably, Iraq is singularized by a heightened register of grief.

This research provides insights into the collective emotional disposition and online discourse patterns within a significant geopolitical region. Understanding the dominant negative sentiment and the formation of a singular regional 'affective public' is crucial for informing digital engagement strategies, public opinion analysis, and cross-cultural communication efforts.

Analysis of 67,725 YouTube comments concerning socio-political topics in Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Jordan, and Syria.

Forward consideration, not a verified fact.