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Social Media and Revolutionary Movements
Social Media and Revolutionary Movements
Social Media and Revolutionary Movements
Theoretical Model
REVOLUTIONARY MOVEMENTS
Outcomes
Individual/Network: Benefits
Rapid and widespread diffusion of information Rapid and widespread diffusion of innovations
Innovative
Coordination/organization of online/offline/ augmented protest acts Inflammation of sentiment by exposure of covert repressive acts Undermining of intimidation/overt repression by demonstration of solidarity in large numbers Undermining of closed public spheres by less restricted and more inclusive participation (e.g., women)
Individual/Network: Limitations
Diffusion of misinformation Innovative ways to identify, track, intimidate, or punish dissidents Diffusion of non-protests or withdrawal (?) Exclusion of socioeconomic/geographic groups due to barriers of access
Information Politics Symbolic Politics (Emotional Politics) Leverage Politics Accountability Politics
Emotional Politics
Pressure
State A State B
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Information
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NGOs
NGOs
IGOs
Pressure
State A State B
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Information
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NGOs
NGOs
Still dependent upon powerful institutions Supportive relationship among powerful institutions Dependent on social media owners
Conclusion
Social Media as Mechanism
Diffusion of innovative forms of protest/state reprisal Diffusion of protest/non-protest as contagion Increases efficacy of four types of movement politics Perpetuation of boomerang pattern
Use it! (But be mindful of risks: misinformation, state tracking) Eye toward information, innovative forms of resistance, publicity Emphasize four types of politics (esp. emotional politics) Use to avoid institutional interference, gain more control of your message Citizen journalism and barriers of access: strive for inclusion