The Impact of Virtual Social Networks on Social Movements; Study of Iranian Protest Movements (2009-2019)

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
Bahman Rabeie nia 1
Hussein  Harsij 2
1 PhD in Political Science, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
2 Professor, Department of Political Science, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
10.22054/nms.2023.67717.1387
Abstract
The widespread use of virtual social networks has brought substantial changes in lifestyle, habits, and social relationships, and the dynamics of communication between people and governments. Social movements, as a way to bring forth demands and communicate between people and governments, are significantly influenced by these shifts. This study investigates the mobilization of social networks in social movements in Iran between 2009 and 2019. Over the last two decades, we've witnessed a new face of social movements on a global scale, with the mobilization function of social networks playing a pivotal role in these developments. This study employs a descriptive-analytic approach and relies on library sources, documents, and secondary data for information gathering. The findings underscore the pivotal role of social networks in facilitating the mobilization of resources for social movements, with a significant and central impact. The examination of major incidents within the mentioned time period reveals that, regardless of the factors underpinning social movements, their success hinges on access to appropriate social networks. A lack of such contact leads to limitations on the ability to mobilize supporters and, over time, causes these movements to deteriorate and weaken.
 
Extended Abstract:
Introduction
The extensive utilization of virtual social networks has introduced significant transformations in lifestyle, social habits, and the dynamics of communication between people and authorities. As a channel for conveying demands and facilitating interactions, social movements have seen profound impacts due to these changes. Over the last two decades, the way that the mobilization functions of social networks have been used has shown a new facet of social movements around the world. This work scrutinizes the impact of virtual social networks on social movements in Iran during the period from 2009 to 2019. This research employs a descriptive-analytical approach, leveraging sources from libraries, documents, and secondary data for data collection. The findings of this investigation highlight the central and substantial role of social networks in facilitating resource mobilization for social movements during the indicated time period. The examination of major events during the stated timeframe reveals that, irrespective of the foundational factors behind social movements, the management or restriction of access to social networks severely hampers the ability to mobilize supporters, leading to the subsequent erosion and weakening of these movements as time passes.
Materials and Methods
This research adopts a descriptive-analytical approach, drawing on resources from the library, archives, and secondary data sources. The study concentrates on three significant protest movements in Iran encompassing the period from 2009 to 2019, namely the protests following the 2009 elections, the 2017 December protests, and the 2019 November protests. The research examines the role of social networks in mobilizing and organizing these movements, focusing on platforms such as Twitter, Telegram, Facebook, and Instagram. In light of the importance of available resources and effective actors, the study also assesses the framework of resource mobilization theory, which emphasizes the pivotal role of resources and competent actors in influencing the success of social movements.
Discussion and Results
The research reveals that social networks have significantly contributed to mobilizing and organizing social movements in Iran. During the 2009 election protests, platforms like Twitter and Facebook played instrumental roles in disseminating information, organizing protests, and garnering international attention. The Green Movement, as this movement came to be recognized, heavily relied on social media to coordinate activities and share real-time updates, despite attempts by the government to restrict access to these platforms.
The December 2017 protests were primarily organized and disseminated through the platform Telegram. Initially ignited by economic grievances, the movement rapidly evolved into larger scale anti-government demonstrations. Telegram's encrypted messaging system enabled participants to exchange information securely, making it difficult for authorities to monitor and suppress the movement. However, the government's decision to block Telegram significantly curtailed the momentum of the protests.
The November 2019 protests, triggered by a sudden surge in fuel prices, witnessed Instagram and Twitter playing a more significant part. Initially sparked as economic protests, the situation quickly escalated into violent confrontations with security forces. Social media platforms became a powerful tool for organizing protests, disseminating videos of police brutality, and rallying international support. Despite this, the government's decision to shut down the internet for multiple days acted as a significant hindrance, showcasing the dual role of social media as both a channel for mobilization and a target for government control.
Conclusions
Our study underscores the crucial role of social networks in mobilizing and organizing movements in Iran. These platforms facilitate communication, information exchange, and coordination across distances, overcoming traditional barriers to collective action. Despite the evident benefits, the government's capacity to control or completely shut down such channels highlights the vulnerabilities and limitations faced by activists, suggesting that social media alone is insufficient to sustain a movement. The findings indicate that social networks can significantly boost the spread of protests, yet their effectiveness hinges on the government's ability to regulate access and manipulate information flow. Further research is needed to explore the long-term consequences of internet shutdowns and other forms of digital repression in Iran and beyond.
Keywords
Social Networks
Social Movement
Resource Mobilization
Twitter
Telegram
2009 Elections
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