نوع مقاله : مقاله پژوهشی
عنوان مقاله English
نویسندگان English
The emergence of social media networks has transformed the dynamics of power in modern societies and challenged traditional theoretical frameworks of power. This study examines the role of social media in redefining the concept of power during the 2019 protests in Lebanon and Iraq by employing content analysis to investigate data collected from these platforms. The findings indicate that social media functioned not only as a tool for the rapid dissemination of information but also as an effective instrument for shaping public opinion, organizing protests, and mobilizing the public. During these protests, hashtags played a pivotal role in facilitating coordination and communication, thereby fostering cohesion among protesters. This, in turn, increased public awareness and accelerated the process of social mobilization. Moreover, influencers and independent media played a significant role in presenting critical perspectives, challenging official discourse, and weakening state-sponsored narratives. At the same time, the widespread dissemination of protest-related images and videos further strengthened the role of social media in shaping public opinion and attracting international solidarity. The results demonstrate that, within this environment, power is exercised primarily through soft power. This transformation has shifted the concept of power from direct domination toward influence and persuasion. Furthermore, social media have reduced the authority of states while strengthening the power of the public, functioning as a challenging instrument against traditional structures of power. In addition, by creating new spaces for dialogue and information exchange, these platforms have contributed to the development of political and social awareness among citizens. Consequently, social media are not merely channels for information dissemination but also constitute a platform for transforming and redefining the concept of power in modern societies. This finding further underscores the importance of analyzing the role of these networks in political and social developments and highlights the necessity of examining their implications for the future of governance systems and political structures.
کلیدواژهها English
