Social Media in the Arab World : Communication and Public Opinion in the Gulf States

This is an important book that fills a gap in the literature on the new and social media in the GCC states. The edited volume showcases how digital telecommunications technologies influenced the social and media landscape in the GCC region, which is considered a more stable part of the Arab world following the recent upheavals. This collection of essays, the majority of which written by Arab scholars, provides an indispensable source for a broader understanding of the Gulf societies and how they were influenced by social media as well as the recent political tensions. It is an invaluable read for anyone interested in understanding digital communications in the GCC region and how these can conflict with the current regimes' strategies. ' Professor Noha Mellor, Creative Arts, Technologies & Science Faculty, Bedfordshire University 'This edited volume fills a huge gap in the academic literature by shedding light on the social media role in the Arabian Gulf countries during the course of the Arab uprisings in 2011. The volume includes several studies authored by esteemed scholars who utilised various theoretical and methodological approaches to scientifically assess whether new media have mobilised the public in the GCC countries. ' Professor Mohammed el-Nawawy, James L. Knight School of Communication, Queens University of Charlotte 'There has been much debate about the role of social media in the spread of public protest and political activism in the Middle East that began in 2011. Here at last is a book that brings together the results of original empirical research from scholars from across a wide range of disciplinary backgrounds to provide some thoughtful reflection on the "Arab Spring", to dispel many of the myths that have emerged around the associated events, and to offer some well-founded insights into the social and political processes that gave rise to them. The editors are to be congratulated not only for the breadth of their survey of academic work on the topic but also for their own worthy individual contributions to this collection. Together these chapters offer an invaluable guide to this complex and still-unfolding episode in world history. ' Cover Half-title Endorsement Title page Copyright information Table of contents List of tables About the contributors Note on sources, citations and bibliography Acknowledgements 1 The Significance of Social Media in the Arab World Digital Expansion in the Arab World The Growth of Social Media The Applications of Social Media New Media and the Spread of Unrest Varied Pace of Change across the Region The Book Notes 2 The Role of Social Media as a Decisive Actor in Saudi Arabia Pro-Democracy Protests in Saudi Arabia: Defining the ‘Arab Street‘ Neo-Patrimonial System in Saudi Arabia The Role of Social Media in Saudi Arabia Bridging the Gap: Social Theory of International Politics Conclusion Notes 3 Arab Social Media: From Revolutionary Euphoria to Cyber Realism Defining Social Media’s Role Medium is the Message Virtual versus Real Interaction Change in Media Grammar Political Economy of Social Media Technological Evolution State Control of Social Media Ineffective Self-regulation Social Media after the Arab Uprising Conclusion Notes 4 Social Media and Unethical P2P Diplomacy in the Bahrain Uprising Towards Ethical P2P Diplomacy Ethical Diplomacy versus Public Diplomacy and PR Social Media Awards The Twelve-Point Flag #UniteBH #UniF1ed Celebrities Conclusion Notes 5 Mobile Phone and Internet Usage in the GCC Region: University Students’ Perspectives Background Mobile Phones and Media Reception Mobile Phone Use in the Arab World Methodology Findings General news interest Mobile phone usage Mobile local news consumption Relationships between mobile phone use and online activities Local community interest and engagement Discussion and Conclusion Notes 6 Social Media Usage and the Changing Context in the United Arab Emirates Literature Review Methodology Findings Discussion Conclusion Notes 7 Women and Online Political Participation in Kuwait Literature Review Kuwait Women and Politics Internet and Political Participation Online Anonymity and Empowerment Methodology Women’s Media Consumption Habits Political Characteristics of Kuwaiti Women Political Participation Key Prediction Factors for Political Participation Discussion Conclusion Notes 8 The New Media as Alternative Medium in the GCC Region Literature Review New Media Sources in GCC Countries Methodology Questionnaire Results Media usage Perceptions of news media Perceptions of reliability of news sources Discussion Conclusion Notes 9 Social Media, Surveillance, and Spying in the Bahrain Uprising The Growth of Web Activism and Control in Bahrain Surveillance and Sousveillance Social Media, Surveillance and Counter- Revolutionary Vigilante Sousveillance Government spying Trolling Name and shame ‘Passive’ observation and offline factors The ‘unknown’ Propaganda and Disinformation The Surveillance and Sousveillance State Conclusion Notes 10 Social Media and Political Change in the Gulf The Communication Landscape and Policy in the GCC Region Bahrain United Arab Emirates (UAE) Kuwait Qatar Oman Saudi Arabia Government Agencies and Social Media Adapted Virtual State/Social Media, Surveillance and Social Control Digital Dystopia Internet Censorship: The Line that Cannot be Defined Conclusion Notes 11 The Future of Social Media in the GCC Region Political Activism Opening Up News Sources Equality Issues Freedom or More Control Conclusion Notes Bibilography Index "Following the Arab Spring, the use of social media has become instrumental in organising activist movements and spreading political dissent in the Middle East. New online behaviours have transformed traditional communication channels, enabling young people of all backgrounds to feel politically empowered. But now that spring has turned to winter, what are the long-term implications of internet activism in the region? Social Media in the Arab World provides a unique insight into the role of online communications as a force for change in the Gulf States. Featuring examples as diverse as neo-patrimonial politics in Saudi Arabia and the ways an online presence affects the status of women in Kuwait, the chapters examine shifts in the political, social and religious identities of citizens as a result of increased digital activism. With contributions from a variety of inter-disciplinary experts, this wide-ranging study examines the consequences of changing power dynamics brought about by popular social media. In doing so, this book offers an original perspective on the long-term implications of internet usage in the Arab world and is essential reading for students and researchers working across the region."--Bloomsbury Publishing