The Influence of Social Networks on the Dynamics of Protests

Namen prispevka: Namen prispevka je predstaviti dinamiko protestnih gibanj v kontekstu tehnologije in spletnih storitev. Množična gibanja so se v zadnjem desetletju zaradi vpliva sodobne tehnologije spremenila v strukturi, organizaciji, komunikaciji in razširjenosti, kar potrjujejo tudi nedavni protesti v Sloveniji. Metode: Splošne ugotovitve so podane na podlagi analize teoretičnih predpostavk in praktičnih primerov. Podpiramo jih z raziskavo o vplivu spletnih socialnih omrežij na slovenske proteste, kjer je bila uporabljena kvantitativna metoda zbiranja podatkov med uporabniki socialnega omrežja Facebook. Ugotovitve: Primeri iz prakse kažejo, da so se pri organizaciji aktivističnih organizacij in kolektivnih akcij spletna socialna omrežja izkoriščala za širjenje idej, sporočil in pozivov ter rekrutiranje podpornikov. Ker je tehnologija postala integriran del množičnih gibanj, so se v zadnjih letih pogosto pojavljale ideje po njenem strožjem nadzoru ali celo prepovedi, vendar je to neprimeren odziv, saj je uporaba tehnologije in spleta temeljna človekova pravica, hkrati pa omejitve ne vplivajo na zaviranje kolektivnih akcij. Negativnega vpliva spletnih storitev na aktivnosti podpornikov, skozi analizo podatkov in strokovnih virov, ni bilo moč zaznati. Omejitve/uporabnost raziskave: Glavne omejitve se kažejo v omejenosti raziskave na slovenski prostor in uporabnike socialnega omrežja Facebook, medtem ko drugih spletnih storitev v raziskavo nismo zajeli. Ugotavljamo, da je omenjeno omrežje pripomoglo k širjenju protestnih sporočil in pozivanju ljudi k aktivni udeležbi. Prav tako se je uporabljalo za organizacijo aktivnih podpornikov, med splošno populacijo pa kot vir informiranja o preteklih in prihodnjih dogodkih. Izvirnost/pomembnost prispevka: Izvirnost prispevka se kaže v tem, da je glede na trenutna dogajanja aktualen in daje vpogled v vlogo socialnih omrežij tudi v kontekstu slovenskih protestov.Purpose: The purpose of this article is to deal with the dynamics of protest movements in the context of technology and web services. In the last decade, mass movements have changed in structure, organization, communication and their extent due to the influence of modern technology. This was also confirmed in the latest Slovenian protests. Design/Methods/Approach: The analysis of theoretical resources and practical examples was conducted, as well as a research about the influence of social networks on the dynamics of protests in Slovenia. We used a quantitative method of gathering necessary data amongst users of Facebook. Findings: The practical examples show that online social networks mostly play a key role in organizing of activist organizations and collective actions with the spread of ideas, messages and invitations as well as the gathering of supporters. Since the technology became an integrated part of the mass movements, there have been ideas to introduce a stricter control on it or even to ban it. However, this happened to be an inappropriate reaction because the use of technology and web is a basic human right. What is more, the restrictions do not influence the prevention of collective actions. The data analysis and technical literature have not showed any negative influence of web services on the activities of supporters. Research Limitations/Implications: The research is limited to Slovenian environment and users of specific social network, while other social media weren’t included. The research showed that the social network Facebook has played a significant role in the organization of those protests, especially in spreading of the protest messages and inviting people to active participation. Furthermore, Facebook contributed to organizing of active supporters, while the general population used it as an information resource on the past as well as current happenings. Originality/Value: The article has an original value, because it’s up to date in the context of current Slovenian relations. It also gives an insight into the role of social media in the development and dynamics of Slovenian protests