This report undertakes a comprehensive analysis of the online discourse surrounding Islam in Canada throughout 2023 (analyzed period from 1st of January until 18th of November 2023). Our objective is to scrutinize the volume, sources, topics, social sentiments, and demographics of online mentions. The monitoring period revealed two distinct peaks in April and October/November, corresponding to discussions around Ramadan and the Palestine-Israel conflict in Gaza, respectively.
This report aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the dynamics within online discussions around Islam in Canada, bridging quantitative data with qualitative context drawn from the broader online landscape.
The online mentions analyzed in this report should be noted as a sample rather than an exhaustive compilation.
#1: Volume & reach of analyzed online mentions around Islam in Canada
The exploration of online mentions surrounding Islam in Canada during 2023 offers valuable insights into the extent and dynamics of digital discourse. The analysis, though not exhaustive, represents a substantial sample of the broader online landscape.
Total Mentions & reach: The cumulative volume of mentions reached 7,000 mentions during the monitoring period, indicating a noteworthy level of engagement with discussions related to Islam. Those mentions reached 130 millions views. When events like terrorist attacks or new policies related to Islam occur, online forum discussions increase dramatically, sometimes by over 50%.
There are 2 observed peaks in online mentions:
April 2023 coincide with Ramadan, a significant month for the Muslim community. Online discussions during this period likely included reflections on the spiritual aspects of Ramadan, community events, and diverse cultural practices associated with the holy month.
The October/November peak aligns with the intensification of the Palestine-Israel conflict in Gaza during that time. The online discourse might encompass a range of perspectives, from expressions of solidarity to debates on geopolitical issues.
#2: Sources of analyzed online mentions around Islam
Understanding the sources from which online mentions emanate is crucial for discerning the diverse platforms that contribute to the discourse on Islam in Canada during 2023.
Web Dominance (47% of mentions): The web emerged as the predominant source, constituting 47% of the online mentions. This underscores the widespread nature of discussions, with individuals and communities engaging in conversations across diverse web platforms.
Active Engagement on Reddit (42% of mentions): Reddit played a significant role, contributing 42% of the online mentions. The platform's interactive and community-driven nature suggests a vibrant space for individuals to share opinions, experiences, and engage in discussions related to Islam in Canada.
Blog/News Involvement (11% of mentions): Blog and news platforms accounted for 11% of the mentions, indicating that online discussions extended beyond social forums to include more formalized sources of information and opinion-sharing.
Reach Disparities: In terms of reach, the web maintained its dominance with 67%, followed by Reddit at 30%. Blog/News had comparatively lower reach percentages at 3%.
The findings highlight the varied platforms contributing to discussions on Islam in Canada.
#3: Topics discussed online around Islam in 2023
The online discourse around Islam in Canada during 2023 encompassed a diverse array of topics, reflecting the multifaceted nature of discussions within digital spaces.
Gaza, Hamas, Palestine, Israel, and Jews: The geopolitical landscape and conflicts in the Middle East, particularly the ongoing tensions between Gaza, Hamas, Palestine, Israel, and discussions surrounding the Jewish community, captured significant attention within online platforms.
Muslim Events (Ramadan, Eid...): Significant emphasis was placed on religious observances and celebrations, with discussions revolving around Ramadan and Eid, showcasing a blend of cultural, spiritual, and communal conversations.
Hijab-Related Discussions: Conversations regarding the hijab, an integral aspect of Islamic identity, were prominent. These discussions touched upon cultural significance, personal choices, and broader societal perceptions.
Islamophobia: An emergent and crucial topic within the discourse was Islamophobia. Online conversations reflected concerns, experiences, and responses to instances of discrimination and prejudice against Muslims, highlighting the need for awareness and dialogue surrounding this issue.
#4: Islam / Muslims related Social sentiments analysis
This section delves into the social sentiments surrounding Islam in Canada during 2023, shedding light on the emotional tones and perceptions prevalent within online discussions.
Positive Sentiments (24%): Positivity in discussions around Islam primarily centered on events within Canadian Muslim communities. This includes gatherings, celebrations, and communal activities, reflecting a sense of cultural pride and community cohesion.
Negative Sentiments (36%): The online discourse witnessed a notable 36% of negative sentiments, predominantly revolving around the Gaza conflict. Additionally, specific incidents, such as the case where a Canadian teacher scolded a Muslim student for not attending a Pride event, contributed to the overall negative sentiment percentage.
Neutral Sentiments (40%): A significant portion, 40%, of sentiments remained neutral. These discussions were characterized by a lack of explicit positive or negative emotional expressions, indicating a diverse range of opinions and objective observations.
This analysis underscores the dynamic and varied nature of social sentiments surrounding Islam online. While positive sentiments highlight moments of celebration and community engagement, negative sentiments underscore the impact of geopolitical events and specific incidents on the digital narrative. The prevalence of neutral sentiments reflects the nuanced and diverse perspectives within the Canadian online discourse around Islam.
#5: Demographics, cultural and organization characteristics of analyzed mentions authors (Age, gender, language, affiliation...)
Understanding the demographics of authors contributing to online discussions about Islam in Canada provides valuable insights into the composition of the digital discourse.
Gender Distribution (22% Female, 78% Male): The gender distribution of mention authors indicates a notable skew toward male contributors, comprising 78% of the sample. Female authors represented 22%, highlighting a gender disparity in online conversations about Islam.
Age Distribution (25-34 43% & 35-44 57%): The age distribution of authors skewed towards younger demographics, with 43% falling in the 25-34 age range and 57% in the 35-44 age group. This suggests active engagement from individuals in the prime of their working and personal lives.
Language Preferences (English 91% vs. French 9%): The majority of online discussions occurred in English, representing 91% of the mentions. French discussions constituted 9%, emphasizing the predominance of English as the primary language of communication in these digital dialogues.
Affiliation Types (47% Company, 53% Personal): Authors were categorized into two main types: company and personal. Company-affiliated accounts constituted 47%, while 53% were individuals expressing personal opinions. This balance suggests a significant influence of personal perspectives in shaping the digital narrative.
This demographic analysis provides a nuanced view of the composition of voices participating in online discussions about Islam in Canada. The gender and age distributions shed light on the demographic dynamics, while language preferences and affiliation types offer insights into the cultural and organizational dimensions influencing the online discourse.
#6: Summary
Volume Reach of Online Mentions: The analysis covered 7K mentions (with 130M reach), revealing notable peaks in April and October/November. These peaks corresponded to discussions around Ramadan and the Palestine-Israel conflict, respectively.
Sources of Online Mentions: The web dominated as the primary source (47%), followed by Reddit (42%) and Blog/News (11%).
Online Topics Discussed in 2023: Topics included geopolitical conflicts (Gaza, Hamas, Palestine, Israel, Jews), Muslim events (Ramadan, Eid), hijab-related discussions, and the emergent theme of Islamophobia.
Islam-Related Social Sentiments Analysis: Positive sentiments (24%) centered around community events, negative sentiments (33%) focused on the Gaza conflict and specific incidents, and neutral sentiments comprised 43%, reflecting diverse opinions.
Demographics, cultural and organizational characteristics of Mention Authors: The gender distribution skewed toward males (78%), with the majority in the 25-44 age range. English dominated as the language of discussion (91%), and personal accounts (53%) outnumbered company affiliations (47%).
If you have any questions, please contact us!