#UbirajaraBelongstoBR: social media activism against (neo)colonial practices in palaeontology
Abstract. Social media has revolutionized the engagement between scientists and the public, offering platforms to challenge unethical practices and advocate for change. In December 2020, Brazilian paleontologists and supporters initiated the hashtag #UbirajaraBelongstoBR on Twitter (now X) to protest the alleged illicit acquisition and export of the dinosaur fossil Ubirajara jubatus from Brazil to Germany. This movement not only demanded the fossil's repatriation but also sparked global discussions on neo-colonial practices in paleontology.
In this study, we analyze 39,728 tweets containing the hashtag #UbirajaraBelongstoBR, collected between December 2020 and February 2023. Employing social network analysis and computational text analysis, we examine the dynamics of this online movement, identify key influencers, and assess its reach and impact. Our results reveal that the campaign transcended the paleontology community, engaging a diverse international audience including scientists, artists, activists, and the general public. Sentiment analysis indicates shifts corresponding to pivotal events, such as official statements and the eventual repatriation of the fossil.
Our findings demonstrate the power of social media in mobilizing grassroots movements and influencing scientific discourse and policy. The #UbirajaraBelongstoBR case illustrates how digital platforms can facilitate international advocacy against unethical scientific practices, highlighting social media's potential to effect change in scientific governance and promote ethical standards. This study contributes to the understanding of digital activism in science communication and underscores the evolving landscape of public engagement in scientific issues.