Abstract
Xenophobia is a pressing issue in South Africa, with far-reaching consequences for society. This research investigates the role of Twitter in inciting xenophobic attacks as reported in news media. Twitter, a popular microblogging platform, serves as a space for individuals to express their opinions, but it also provides a platform for disseminating hate speech against immigrants. This study seeks to assess the sentiment expressed on Twitter and its potential influence on the content of on-the-ground news coverage of xenophobia. The research employs a multifaceted approach by combining data from Twitter and news articles to discern potential connections between the two domains. This investigation involves sentiment analysis, statistical analysis, and event analysis to bridge Twitter data with news articles about xenophobic attacks. The findings of this study reveal a significant positive relationship between sentiment expressed on Twitter and the occurrence of xenophobic attacks. The research highlights the critical importance of monitoring social media as an early detection tool for xenophobic incidents. Such proactive monitoring provides authorities and organizations with vital insights that can inform interventions aimed at promoting social cohesion and harmony. By integrating social media and news media analysis, this study underscores the potential for more effective strategies to address and mitigate the xenophobia issue in South Africa, ultimately contributing to a more united and harmonious society.
KEYWORDS: Sentiment analysis, News articles, Geolocation analysis, Xenophobia, Event analysis, South Africa.