From Network to Street: A Theoretical Framework for the Relation between Social Media and Political Protests

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of Political Sociology, Imam Khomeini and Islamic Revolution Research Center, Tehran, Iran

2 Department of Sociology of Revolution, Imam Khomeini and Islamic Revolution Research Center, Tehran, Iran.

3 Department of Sociology of Revolution, Imam Khomeini and Islamic Revolution Research Center, Tehran, Iran

10.22081/psq.2025.71464.2968

Abstract

This article provides a theoretical and in-depth analysis of the complex and multifaceted relationship between the use of "social media" and the phenomenon of "political protest." Its primary aim is to develop and present an integrated theoretical framework that can coherently explain the mechanisms of this relationship. The authors, by highlighting the transformation in the nature of protests in the contemporary era, argue that protest actions have evolved from a marginal and deviant behavior to an integral part of
the conventional political participation process in modern societies. Therefore, one-dimensional analytical approaches that rely solely on a specific theory are insufficient
in fully explaining this complex phenomenon. This research, by adopting a theoretical-analytical approach and critically synthesizing academic texts, seeks to construct a conceptual causal model that can systematically and multilayeredly explain how social media influences protest actions. The theoretical foundation of this research is based on a combination of key and established theories in the field of political sociology and social movements. These theories include: the theory of relative deprivation, which focuses on the perceived gap between individuals' expectations and their life realities; the resource mobilization theory, which emphasizes the importance of organizing and gathering material, human, and informational resources for collective action; the political opportunity structure theory, which analyzes structural conditions, such as elite divisions or reduced repression, as windows for protest; the framing theory, which highlights the crucial role of the media in shaping public perceptions and highlighting injustices; the emotional motivations theory, which examines the central role of emotions like anger, fear, hope, and despair in motivating individuals to engage; and finally, the concept of political discontent, which sees a decline in trust toward government performance and governing institutions as a precursor to public dissatisfaction.The main and innovative contribution of this article is the presentation of a conceptual causal model that demonstrates how social media (as an independent variable) can significantly increase the likelihood of protest actions (the dependent variable) by simultaneously influencing several key intermediary variables. This model identifies multiple pathways of influence. First, these platforms create a constant space for social comparison by continuously displaying the lifestyles, successes, and freedoms of others, thereby deepening and making more tangible the feeling of relative deprivation and inequality among users. Second, by rapidly and widely disseminating information such as videos of successful gatherings, news of security forces retreating,
or divisions among rulers, these platforms alter individuals' perceptions of political opportunities, reducing the perceived risk and enhancing motivations for action. The third pathway is online resource mobilization. Social media provides affordable, fast, and efficient tools for coordination, disseminating details about gatherings, sharing security instructions, and even attracting financial and human support, thereby overcoming classic organizational barriers. Fourth, through media framing, these platforms highlight specific narratives of corruption, discrimination, and inefficiency, giving them clear meaning and thereby inflaming the sense of injustice within society. Fifth, constant exposure to critical content and negative news increases feelings of hopelessness regarding the future and the reformability of the system, reinforcing the belief that the current situation is intolerable and that the only way to bring about change is through "protest." Finally, the continuous dissemination of public evidence and criticism regarding the performance of the government and political institutions directly leads to the erosion of political satisfaction and the weakening of the legitimacy of the ruling regime. The conclusion is that social media are not the primary or root cause of protests; rather, they play a vital role as a powerful accelerant. Metaphorically speaking, if deep social, economic, and political grievances are the "dry wood" ready to ignite, social media can serve as the "fire" or spark that sets this wood aflame. This integrated theoretical framework provides a conceptual map for future empirical research, particularly in the context of Iran, to test and measure the proposed causal relationships in a field-specific and precise manner.

Keywords

References

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