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On 2 May 2025, the Ukrainian Language Education Centre (ULEC) hosted a thought-provoking webinar examining social responses to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, with a special focus on digital expressions of solidarity and resilience. The session was presented by Professor Angela Pilch Ortega, whose research utilizes grounded theory and digital ethnography to analyze Twitter/X discussions surrounding the war.

Professor Pilch Ortega’s presentation offered a deep dive into how users use online engagement to cope with fear, helplessness, and uncertainty. She contextualized her findings within broader global crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change, underscoring the shared experiences of social fragility and emotional vulnerability. Her ongoing research highlights how individuals and communities use social media to regain agency and develop coping mechanisms in the face of a crisis.

In outlining her methodology, Professor Pilch Ortega emphasized the fluid and dynamic nature of social media platforms. She discussed both the opportunities and risks inherent in these spaces—ranging from the promotion of democratic values and human rights to the challenges posed by misinformation and ideological echo chambers. She also shared her approach of engaging directly in social media conversations and maintaining a reflective research diary to enrich her qualitative approach to data collection.

A key theme of the presentation was the symbolic power of hashtags like #StandWithUkraine, which have become central to global solidarity movements. She also addressed the complexities of discourse surrounding the war, including the politicization of language (e.g., “Kiev” vs. “Kyiv”), the heroization and demonization of key figures, and the tension between support and criticism from public intellectuals.

Professor Pilch Ortega responded to audience questions by proposing biographical narrative interviews as a method for exploring personal experiences of the conflict in greater depth. She concluded by expressing plans to publish an article and pursue further funding for her research.

Angela Pilch Ortega is an Associate Professor in Learning World Research and University Didactics at the University of Graz. Her work focuses on biographical research, social movements, transnationalism, and postcolonial studies, with a particular interest in how individuals and communities navigate crises and affect social change.

Unfortunately, due to unexpected technical issues, it was not possible to record the webinar. We regret that there is no recording available.