The Impact of Digital Contact on Social Cohesion: A Controlled Experiment in a Post-Conflict Setting

23.02.2026 14:15 – 15:30

POLITICAL SCIENCE & ECONOMICS JOINT SEMINAR

Abstract:

How can digital intergroup contact reduce polarization in conflict-affected societies? In the context of civil intergroup conflict, effective reconciliation strategies are crucial for restoring social cohesion. While intergroup contact has been found to help, little is known about the mechanisms through which it reduces polarization, nor about the effectiveness of digital contact formats, which remain underexplored despite their scalability and low cost. To address this gap, we conduct a controlled lab-in-the-field experiment in a polarized post-conflict setting in Indonesia, designed to isolate the effects of different forms of digital intergroup contact. Participants are randomly assigned to one of three treatments: (1) free communication, (2) conflict-focused discussion, and (3) collaboration on a joint project – or to a no-contact control group. We assess behavioural polarization using two standard behavioural measures: intergroup cooperation (via a multilevel public goods game) and out-group trust (via a trust elicitation task). We find that only free communication significantly reduces polarization and enhances social cohesion across both measures and two locations. In contrast, conflict-focused discussion and joint project collaboration show weaker and less consistent effects. These findings challenge the traditional contact theory assumption that a common goal is necessary for effective interactions. Sentiment analysis and machine-learning evaluation of communication protocols suggest that free communication generates more positive emotional responses, which may underlie its effectiveness. This study contributes to the growing (field) experimental literature on polarization by identifying scalable, evidence-based digital strategies for reconciliation and social repair.

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