Illusion of control: how internet use generates anti-regime sentiment in authoritarian regimes

Abstract

This article argues that contrary to cyber-pessimist beliefs, citizens’ internet use in authoritarian regimes still generates anti-regime sentiment. Using a multilevel regression analysis with country- and individual-level data for 21 authoritarian regimes (2010–2015), it shows that there is a positive effect of internet use on anti-regime sentiment and that stringent internet controls do not weaken this effect. An in-depth case study of Malaysia under the BN (1957–2018) examines the causal mechanisms. Interviews with activists (22), protestors (17), and online journalists (2) reveal how the internet gave alternative Malaysian voices a platform, essentially breaking the regime’s monopoly as an information broadcaster. The consequential circulation of alternative political information exposed online Malaysians to new perspectives on the regime, which sometimes very swiftly, but most often gradually increased their anti-regime sentiment. The BN regime was unable to prevent this. It first underestimated the internet’s potential, but later failed to effectively control it.