The role of “cyber-dissent” in stimulating democratization in the MENA Region and empowering youth voices

Abstract

This study examines how social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, blogospheres, and YouTube are used for political purposes in order to circumvent severe press censorship and political restrictions imposed by the governments of the Middle East and North African region. The usage of social media for the purpose of political dissent is defined in this study as “cyber-dissent.” Examining the nature of “cyber-dissent” will show how it exposes a lack of freedom of speech and press, which is a direct result of authoritarianism, and how cyber-dissent can stimulate members of society to find other means to engage and communicate with each other. There are several underlying questions addressed: How has social media stimulated democratization in the Middle East? What are the characteristics of social media that enabled the “Arab Spring”? Lastly, how has blogging and social media empowered youth and minority voices in the region? We find that several key factors have had a significant impact on cyber-dissent which ultimately was a catalyst for the Arab Spring: Legislation and restrictions that inhibit freedom of press, a high youth population between the ages of 15 and 29, greater access to technology, an increase in wealth (or gross domestic product, GDP per capita), and an increase in education.