New Social Movements and Communication in Digital Networks: A Critical Approach

What is it about?

Today when digital communication networks have become a part of our daily lives, the use of these new tools by the new social movements is discussed frequently. In an environment where the political communication process is moving to social media platforms, critical approaches against the social impacts of this trend have also increased. The purpose of this study is to present a critical view to the optimistic belief that new communication technologies contribute to the democratic culture and expand the impact capacity of social movements per se, through Arab Spring in the Middle East and 15-M movements in Spain, after introducing the literature concerning new social movements and in this context, the use of digital communication networks. In this respect, supporting processes that will make the internet environment democratic and transparent instead of a technological determinist approach that considers digital tools an essential element for social change stands out as a more prudent approach. In sum, the study has stressed the risks of new communication technologies, limitations of social media platforms in the context of social change goals of social movements and the importance of developing a critical and questioning approach to digital platforms. (PDF) Yeni Toplumsal Hareketler ve Dijital Ağlarda İletişim: Eleştirel Bir Yaklaşım. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/338165744_Yeni_Toplumsal_Hareketler_ve_Dijital_Aglarda_Iletisim_Elestirel_Bir_Yaklasim [accessed Feb 25 2020].

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