نوع مقاله : مقاله پژوهشی
عنوان مقاله English
نویسندگان English
The emergence of social networks has transformed the dynamics of power in modern societies and challenges traditional theoretical frameworks of power. The study, by examining the role of social networks in redefining the concept of power during the 2019 protests in Lebanon and Iraq, used the content analysis method to examine the data compiled from these networks. The findings show that social networks have acted as a tool for rapid dissemination of information, but also an effective tool in shaping public opinion, organizing protests and mobilizing popular. During these protests, hashtags have played a key role in creating cohesion among protesters as a tool for coordination and message transmission. This has led to increased public awareness and accelerated the process of social mobilization. In addition, independent influencers and media have played an important role in providing critical views, challenging formal discourse and weakening government narratives. On the other hand, the widespread publication of protest images and videos has made the role of social networks in shaping public opinion and international solidarity. The results of the study show that in this space, more power is applied to "soft power". This change has evolved into the concept of power from direct domination to influence. Also, social networks have reduced the authority of governments and strengthened popular power and have acted as a challenging tool against traditional power structures. In addition, these networks have contributed to the development of people's political and social awareness by creating new spaces for dialogue and information exchange. Overall, this study shows that social networks are not only media for information, but are also a platform for changing the concept of power in modern societies. This doubles the importance of analyzing the role of these networks in political and social developments, and reveals the need for its impact on the future of governance systems and political structures.
کلیدواژهها English