Political Role of Social Media as a Field of Research and as a Field of University Level Study

Dmitry Baluev

doi:10.22610/jsds.v4i11.788

Abstract

This article is drawing out major approaches to the study of political role of social media. On the one hand, in a nearest future such researches could be one of the main hot topics of political analysis. On the other hand, this field of study is starting to be reflected in leading universitiesâ€™ curriculum. However, common theoretical base for this field of study is still absent. An attempt to clarify terminology, picture out major approaches to the role of social media in politics, formulate major trends in this sphere of public life is made in this paper. It touches upon also consequences of rising political role of social media for foreign and security policy formulation. Possible applied use of this concept is a special interest for the author.

Highlights

Analysis of the current state of the problem: Since the start of rapid spread of Web-technologies in the early 1990s, the number of Internet users has grown from a few million to several billion
This article reflects certain results already achieved. It outlines a framework for design and implementation of research projects related to study of political role of social media and social networks, indicates main approaches to educational technologies that can be used for teaching of relevant disciplines of political science profile
Consideration of the political role of social media allows formulating a number of conclusions

Summary

Introduction

Analysis of the current state of the problem: Since the start of rapid spread of Web-technologies in the early 1990s, the number of Internet users has grown from a few million to several billion. The tools in their own, in the absence of formed public demand for political changes are ineffective They bring as much harm as good because authoritarian regimes are beginning to use these tools on their turn to deal with dissidents. The recent events related to people protest activity in different countries have shown that the new media use does not supersede real actions, but rather serves as an effective tool for actions coordination. This does not mean that any political movement using these tools is doomed to succeed, because governments have not lost the ability to respond to such “threats”. It outlines a framework for design and implementation of research projects related to study of political role of social media and social networks, indicates main approaches to educational technologies that can be used for teaching of relevant disciplines of political science profile

Methodology of study of social media political role

Findings

Conclusion