Power and citizenship in the social media networks: British Muslims, crime prevention and social engagement

Abstract

Debates about the potential of new media in citizen engagement and crime prevention especially among the youth have attracted interest of scores of researchers, policymakers and civilsociety organisations across the world. During the last few years, various studies have focused on the socialising role of social media networks, how subcultures are formed and sustained and how individuals build a network of friends online and present themselves while they keep their privacy protected or otherwise. The Arab Spring revolutions have also brought to the forefront thestudy of social media networks in relation to power struggle, political mobilisation and social change. In Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, Yemen and, currently, Syria, Facebook and Twitter have proven to be eff ective tools that have empowered protest movements and helped activists get their voices heard both locally and internationally