State Repression and Social Media

• In Event: State Repression and Human Rights I

Abstract

State media and state repression both serve to depress participation in dissent. An oft-proposed instrument to increase participation in dissent is an alternative, honest media source. I show that this will typically fail to serve its intended role under repression. Singular, unbiased media sources can aid a repressive state. Substantial bias from countermanding media is necessary to alter collective behavior, leading to credibility problems.

Author

• David A. Siegel, Duke University