MDSC01H3 Chapter Notes - Chapter 1: Arab Spring, Internet Activism, Slacktivism
Document Summary
Social media and the decision to participate in political protest: observations from tahrir. Arab spring bursts forth in early 2011. Internet widely utilized in online political sphere. Political protests in egypt officially begin on january 25th. Emergence of a new system of political communication. Discourage individual participation of protest by increasing punishment. Social media changes the principle of collective action and in turn, make authoritarian regimes vulnerable. 3 interrelated components of the new system of political communication. Increased access to cell phones with video/internet/text. The communication system has transformed the arab public sphere. By increasing citizens" ability to document and share. By increasing the ability for misconduct by authorities to be known. By overcoming barriers to individual political participation and coordination of collective action. Survey of media use by egyptian protestors. 4-day-period, starting feb 24 (less than two weeks after mubarak"s resignation) Conducted in semi-controlled public spaces (eg. cafes, parks) Protocol for approaching respondents with extensive measures taken.
