Networked Social Movements in Tunisia: Organizational and Media Alternative or a Threat to the Social Order?
Faculty of Letters and Human Sciences of Sfax, Tunisia
Abstract
The article discusses networked social movements in Tunisia as a new form of political and social mobilization, emerging from the rise of digital technologies and the declining trust of youth in traditional institutions. These movements played a pivotal role in breaking the monopoly of state media during the Tunisian revolution and contributed to the fall of the Ben Ali regime through digital mobilization and protests. Their influence continued during the transitional period, notably in the 2019 elections, where they supported candidates outside the traditional party system and enhanced grassroots political oversight. Characterized by a flexible collective identity and rapid, issue-based engagement, these movements reflect a new form of social "liquidity." Despite their empowering nature, the article warns of the risks they pose, such as the erosion of social cohesion, the rise of individualism, the spread of misinformation, and their exploitation by extremist groups. The author concludes that these movements are double-edged: enabling expression and participation, yet potentially destabilizing democracy if not integrated into inclusive institutional policies.
Keywords:
Networked social movements, Digital activism, Youth engagement, Democratic transition, Collective identityCopyright Notice & License:
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References
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