Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Postdoctoral researcher, University of Isfahan

2 Professor, Department of Political Science, and President of the University of Isfahan

Abstract

The universalization of the use of virtual social networks has caused important changes in lifestyles, habits and social relationships and the relationship between people and governments. Social movements, as one of the methods of conveying demands and communication between people and the government, are strongly affected by these changes. In the last two decades, the mobilization function of social networks has shown a new face of social movements all over the world. The aim of the current research is to explain this effect in the social movements of Iran between 2018 and 2018. The method of this research is descriptive-analytical and collected information using library sources, documents and secondary data. The findings of the research show that the use of social networks has played an effective and central role in facilitating the mobilization of resources for social movements. The major incidents investigated in the mentioned time period show that regardless of the reasons for the existence of social movements, with the control or lack of access to social networks, bringing the supporters of the movement to the stage is hindered, and with the passage of time, these protest movements suffer erosion and weakness.

Keywords