The New Media and Arab Spring: A Critical Analysis

Abstract

This study critically examined the new media and the Arab awakening phenomenon with the aim of finding out whether the same pattern of Arab spring could be transferred to other parts of Africa, especially West African countries. The study was therefore built on two theoretical foundations known as emancipatory media theory and the new media theory. Using survey research design, 98 respondents were sampled with questionnaire serving as instruments of data collection. The data generated were analysed and presented in simple frequency distribution tables. The study revealed that though the new media can do more in mobilising the people for action as exemplified in its contribution to the success recorded in the Arab spring, it would be difficult for that kind of new media aided uprising to really replicate itself in West Africa considering the political environment. It was, therefore, recommended that government of nations should make itself present in the new media so as to create an interactive avenue for the people to discuss their plight.

Key words: new media, Arab spring and social movement