Long abstract:

This paper presents a descriptive analysis of tweets related to the term 'Holocaust' on Twitter. Against the backdrop of rising digital communication and power of social media to speedily disseminate discourses, understanding the dynamics of conversations about the Holocaust in online spaces remains essential to contemporary politics. The paper systematically analyses a diverse dataset of tweets collected over a specified period using advanced natural language processing techniques. In this paper, we take a descriptive approach to categorise and quantify themes, sentiments, and prevalent linguistic patterns across languages in the discourse surrounding the Holocaust on Twitter. We further investigate the temporal trends of discussion, identifying peaks and troughs in activity to discern significant events or triggers that prompt heightened online conversation. Furthermore, the study explores the geographical distribution of tweets, examining regional variations wherever possible in expressing sentiments and topics related to the Holocaust. By mapping the global dissemination of information and opinions on this historically charged subject, the research provides insights into how digital narratives remain ‘alive’ in different forms across cultures and societies. We further theorise on which aspects of the holocaust remain in discussion versus those that remain little discussed. The findings of this descriptive analysis contribute to a nuanced understanding of public perceptions and attitudes towards the Holocaust within the digital sphere. As Holocaust remembrance and education increasingly transition to online platforms, this study is a valuable resource for educators, researchers, and policymakers aiming to navigate the challenges and opportunities the digital landscape presents in preserving memory.