Online News Channel Streaming: A Comprehensive Analysis of Channel and User Engagement during the Israel-Palestine Conflict

Abstract The current research aims to uncover insights into how online audiences engage with and respond to conflict-related news content. This research investigates public discourse on conflict through a comprehensive analysis of a dataset comprising three million YouTube comments collected from 37 reputable international news channels, such as the BBC, Al Jazeera, and CNN, within a time span of 37 days. This research presents a meticulous exploration of global public discourse during this critical juncture. Therefore, we built a dataset by mining and perusing three million user comments from comment sections provided by news channels that were streaming on YouTube. We selected 2095 news titles and 2.9 million comments covering the period from 5 Oct to 12 Nov. The dataset contains information (channels, titles, title descriptions, views, publishing dates, and comments). The dataset was carefully selected and analysed to encapsulate diverse perspectives and offer a representative snapshot of global reactions. This study employs natural language processing (NLP) techniques to explore sentiment dynamics, media influence, temporal patterns, and user behaviors within the comments section. Temporal patterns in comments are meticulously examined to discern evolving public perceptions over time. Furthermore, media influence is addressed by exploring how news channels shape and reflect public opinion during a conflict of global significance. Beyond traditional sentiment analysis, this study delves into user engagement profiles, shedding light on patterns of interaction and the factors influencing online discourse. This research extends beyond a conventional examination of online comments; it provides a nuanced understanding of how digital platforms become spaces for global dialogue during critical geopolitical events. These findings not only contribute to the field of online discourse analysis but also offer valuable insights for policymakers, media professionals, and scholars studying the intersection of digital communication and global affairs.