Digital media platforms have democratised access to public information and transformed political discourse and activism, enabling diverse voices to be heard. Digital media have become a powerful tool for grassroots movements and citizen journalism. Nevertheless, the proliferation of digital media platforms has provided new avenues for the spread of hateful rhetoric and divisive ideologies. These digital spaces often serve as echo chambers, reinforcing existing biases and exacerbating tensions among different ethnic groups. This emphasises the need for comprehensive research and policy interventions to address the impact of digital media on fuelling ethnic conflicts and promoting violence. This study examines the impact of digital platforms on hate speech and polarisation in Ethiopia and Sudan, focusing on Facebook and YouTube platforms. It examines the prevalence of hate speech in Ethiopia and Sudan, the factors contributing to ethnic polarisation, and whether digital media-based polarisation leads to ethnic violence in both nations. As a theoretical framework, it uses Social Identity Theory and van Dijk's ideological square to explain polarisation. This study employs a mixed research method involving Critical discourse analysis (CDA) and content analysis. The study findings can contribute to our understanding of the complex sociocultural dynamics and causes of hate speech and polarisation in ethnically diverse societies, such as Ethiopia and Sudan. The findings of the study may contribute to shaping digital literacy programs and community initiatives that promote interethnic dialogue and understanding in Ethiopia and Sudan.
