Understanding the Data: Word Embeddings
Our first step in analysing the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict discussions was to convert the text from social media posts into a format that computers can understand better. We used a technique called "word embedding".
This technique turns words into numbers, allowing us to create a "map" of words used in discussions about the conflict. Words with similar meanings or used in similar contexts appear closer together on this map.
Exploring Topics: Interactive Word Map
Once we created our word map, we built an interactive tool to explore it. This tool allows you to zoom in and out, seeing how different topics within the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict discussions relate to each other.
For example, you might see clusters of words related to peace negotiations, military actions, or international reactions. You can click on these clusters to see the most common words and phrases used in these contexts. A set of language models were also used to extract features such as topics, language and sentiment which you can filter against.
Tracking the Conflict Over Time
The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict evolved rapidly over several weeks. To understand how discussions changed during this period, we created a timeline tool.
This tool lets you slide through different dates, showing how the volume and content of social media posts changed over time. You can see spikes in discussion around key events, such as ceasefire agreements or major battles.
Focusing on Specific Time Periods
Sometimes, you might want to focus on what people were saying during a specific period of the conflict. Our date range selector allows you to do just that.
For instance, you could zoom in on the days following a major event in the conflict to see how people reacted and how the conversation evolved in its immediate aftermath.
Examining Individual Posts
While overall patterns are important, sometimes you need to see the original context. Our tool allows you to click on any point in the word map or timeline to view the original social media posts it represents.
This feature helps you understand the nuances of how people were discussing the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, giving you direct access to individual voices and perspectives.
