Mediating protest: oppositional uses of social and traditional media

Session Submission Type: Panel

Abstract

Expectations have been voiced about the potential for social media to facilitate political change. While this potential remains unclear, the use of social media has become part and parcel of social protest in several Latin American contexts. For example, during the anti-government demonstrations in Guatemala, hashtags such as #NoTengoPresidente are observed not only online, but also on placards in street marches. This recent phenomenon nevertheless builds on historical uses of media technology to undermine state power. This panel explores the use of social media to mobilise for protest, and traces its historical roots in oppositional uses of other media technologies.

Sub Track

• Social and Digital Media

Chair

• Margit Ystanes, University of Bergen

Individual Presentations

• La imaginación al poder: the role of social media in contemporary protests in Guatemala - Mariel Aguilar-Støen, University of Oslo

• Historical trajectories of social media protests in Latin America - José A Huidobro Goya, University of Bergen

• #urbanizaja: social media and the dynamics of protest in the Olympic city Rio de Janeiro - Margit Ystanes, University of Bergen