YouTube debates on nuclear energy as ‘green’: mapping actors, interactions, and arguments

Abstract

This study investigates how YouTube videos represent and discuss the European Commission's decision to classify nuclear energy as 'green.' It aims to identify the main actors involved, examine their positions, and explore the key themes and arguments they use. The study employed a combination of content analysis to identify the actors and their stances, network analysis to map the interactions and connections between them, and discourse analysis to explore the themes and arguments presented on 92 YouTube videos. Findings reveal seven main and three secondary actors, with some secondary actors lacking significant connections to the main ones. Professionals, organizations, and news media were the most active and influential participants, forming closely connections with others. The actors expressed a range of positions (positive, negative, and neutral) toward nuclear energy, leading to a variety of interactions based on these perspectives. The discourse across the videos was dominated by nine major themes. Positive arguments focused on the advantages of nuclear power and shortcomings of alternatives, whereas negative arguments promoted renewables and emphasized the risks of nuclear energy. Neutral positions acknowledged both benefits and drawbacks. This study calls for stronger collaboration between media professionals, scientists, and academic institutions to create credible and constructive narratives that accurately reflect the complexities of nuclear energy and its role in the energy transition.