Analyzing the Behavior of X Users towards the “Honor Killing” Incident in Baluchistan: A Corpus-Based Sentiment Study

Abstract

The current study aimed to investigate public reactions on platform X regarding the honor killing incident in Baluchistan, where a couple was murdered for having a secret marriage. For this purpose, the researchers compiled a corpus of 100 tweets using Orange data mining software through an official X API key. The researchers utilized the Sentiment Analysis and Tweet Profiler tools of the software to see the frequency and intensity of emotions and sentiments. Using Ekman’s emotion classification, the researchers identified the sentiments categorized as: joy (83%), surprise (11%), fear (4%), and sadness (2%). The highest recorded positive sentiment score was 0.419, while the highest negative score was 0.458. Thematic analysis of the corpus revealed positive themes, including the affirmation of regional identity and advocacy for the oppressed. In contrast, negative themes encompassed media silence and gender-based violence. The study suggests that future research should explore print media and other social platforms to gain a more comprehensive understanding of public discourse.