What Potential for YouTube as a Policy Deliberation Tool? Commenter Reactions to Videos About the Keystone XL Oil Pipeline

Abstract

Social network sites have been proposed to influence the way interest groups and citizens interact on various policy topics. User reaction to information received on YouTube can be partially observed by examining comments provided as part of the interface. Using content analysis, this article explores the way YouTube users interact with information provided by media, interest groups, and other groups through user comments. While a large number of comments are found to be ad hominem or off‐topic, in general, user comments on the controversial Canada–U.S. Keystone XL oil pipeline cover collectively the main topic areas found in the December 2, 2013 U.S. Congressional Research Service study of the issues. User comments also reflect a preferential network structure where the existence of a comment makes it more likely that someone will reply to commenters rather than the video itself. The article concludes with some comments on the potential of YouTube as a policy deliberation tool.

Social learning and online discussion

“…Diraj Murthy argues that the key to understanding the role of online media in the concept of simple messages repeated multiple times and its effect on what is or is not an acceptable means of argumentation [33]. During a debate about the development of the keystone xl pipeline, the Sierra Club introduced the idea that Athabasca oil sands bitumen is the "dirtiest oil on earth" in order to shape the discussion about the transportation of bitumen to the United States [15]. The simple and short phrasing enabled the message to be spread throughout channels, shifting policy discussion away from the topics such as energy security, and toward a discussion about whether it was justifiable to use 'dirty' oil.…”

Aging Pipeline Infrastructure in the United States: How do a changing policy mix, issues of energy justice, and social media communication impact future risk analysis?

“…Oil and gas pipelines have experienced increased visibility of their debates in the past decade as strong anti-pipeline coalitions have challenged economic and business interests of pro-pipeline coalitions (Kandiyoti, 2012). Modern transparency and social media of large proposed energy infrastructure projects have helped mobilize broader and stronger anti-pipeline coalitions to influence policymakers in the expansion or creation of pipeline energy transport (Deschamps, 2014). For example, the Keystone XL pipeline in Nebraska, Dakota Access Pipeline, and Canada's Transmountain pipeline have all been visible in mainstream media for their development debates.…”