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The Politics of Everyday Life in Tunisia: Oxford Studies in Digital Politics

Edwin Cox

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Published in Networked Publics And Digital Contention: The Politics Of Everyday Life In Tunisia (Oxford Studies In Digital Politics)

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Abstract

This article explores the ways in which digital technologies are shaping the politics of everyday life in Tunisia. Drawing on ethnographic research conducted in the cities of Tunis and Sfax, the article examines how digital technologies are used to mediate social interactions, access information, and participate in political action. The article argues that digital technologies are not simply tools that can be used for good or for evil, but rather are deeply embedded in the social and political fabric of everyday life. As such, they have the potential to both empower and disempower citizens, and to shape the ways in which we think about and engage with politics.

Networked Publics and Digital Contention: The Politics of Everyday Life in Tunisia (Oxford Studies in Digital Politics)

by Scott J. Shackelford

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
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In the wake of the Arab Spring uprisings, Tunisia has emerged as a beacon of hope for democratic change in the Middle East and North Africa. However, the country is still facing a number of challenges, including economic inequality, political instability, and social unrest. Digital technologies are playing a increasingly important role in shaping the politics of everyday life in Tunisia. These technologies are being used to mediate social interactions, access information, and participate in political action. They have the potential to both empower and disempower citizens, and to shape the ways in which we think about and engage with politics.

Mediating Social Interactions

Digital technologies are increasingly being used to mediate social interactions in Tunisia. This is especially true among young people, who are more likely to use social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter to stay connected with friends and family. These platforms allow users to share news, photos, and videos, and to communicate with each other in real time. They can also be used to organize events and to mobilize people for political action.

The use of digital technologies to mediate social interactions has a number of implications for the politics of everyday life in Tunisia. First, it can help to break down social barriers and to create new forms of community. Social media platforms allow users to connect with people from all over the world, regardless of their race, religion, or gender. This can help to promote tolerance and understanding, and to create a more inclusive society.

Second, the use of digital technologies to mediate social interactions can empower citizens. Social media platforms allow users to share their thoughts and opinions with a wider audience. This can help to raise awareness of important issues, and to hold those in power accountable. It can also help to mobilize people for political action.

However, the use of digital technologies to mediate social interactions also has a number of potential drawbacks. First, it can lead to social isolation. People who spend too much time on social media may find themselves withdrawing from real-world interactions. This can have a negative impact on their mental and physical health.

Second, the use of digital technologies to mediate social interactions can be used to spread misinformation and propaganda. This can be dangerous, as it can lead people to make decisions based on false information. It can also be used to manipulate public opinion and to undermine democracy.

Accessing Information

Digital technologies are also playing an increasingly important role in how people access information in Tunisia. In the past, people relied on traditional media sources such as newspapers, television, and radio to get their news and information. However, today, more and more people are turning to digital sources such as the internet and social media.

This shift has a number of implications for the politics of everyday life in Tunisia. First, it gives people more access to information than ever before. This can help to empower citizens and to make them more informed about the issues that affect their lives. It can also help to hold those in power accountable.

Second, the shift to digital sources of information has led to a decline in the influence of traditional media. This is because people are increasingly able to get their news and information from a variety of sources, including independent and alternative media outlets. This can help to promote diversity of opinion and to challenge the dominant narratives that are often presented by traditional media.

However, the shift to digital sources of information also has a number of potential drawbacks. First, it can lead to the spread of misinformation and propaganda. This is because people are more likely to believe information that they find on social media than information that they find in traditional media sources. This can be dangerous, as it can lead people to make decisions based on false information. It can also be used to manipulate public opinion and to undermine democracy.

Second, the shift to digital sources of information can lead to a digital divide. This is because people who do not have access to the internet or who do not know how to use it are less likely to be able to access important information. This can lead to social inequality and to the exclusion of certain groups from the political process.

Participating in Political Action

Digital technologies are also being used to participate in political action in Tunisia. In the past, people relied on traditional forms of political participation such as voting, attending rallies, and joining political parties. However, today, more and more people are using digital technologies to participate in politics.

This shift has a number of implications for the politics of everyday life in Tunisia. First, it allows people to participate in politics in new and innovative ways. Digital technologies can be used to organize events, to mobilize people for action, and to communicate with political leaders. This can help to empower citizens and to make them more involved in the political process.

Second, the use of digital technologies to participate in political action can help to break down barriers to participation. Digital technologies make it possible for people to participate in politics from anywhere in the world. This can help to include people who are traditionally excluded from the political process, such as women, youth, and people with disabilities.

However, the use of digital technologies to participate in political action also has a number of potential drawbacks. First, it can lead to the spread of misinformation and propaganda. This is because people are more likely to believe information that they find on social media than information that they find in traditional media sources. This can be dangerous, as it can lead people to make decisions based on false information. It can also be used to manipulate public opinion and to undermine democracy.

Second, the use of digital technologies to participate in political action can lead to a digital divide. This is because people who do not have access to the internet or who do not know how to use it are less likely to be able to participate in political action online. This can lead to social inequality and to the exclusion of certain groups from the political process.

Digital technologies are playing an increasingly important role in the politics of everyday life in Tunisia. These technologies are being used to mediate social interactions, access information, and participate in political action. They have the potential to both empower and disempower citizens, and to shape the ways in which we think about and engage with politics.

It is important to be aware of the both the potential benefits and risks of digital technologies. We need to make sure that these technologies are used to promote democracy and to empower citizens. We also need to be aware of the ways in which these technologies can be used to spread misinformation and propaganda, and to undermine democracy.

By understanding the politics of everyday life in Tunisia, we can better understand the challenges and opportunities that these technologies present. We can also develop strategies to use these technologies to promote democracy and to empower citizens.

Networked Publics and Digital Contention: The Politics of Everyday Life in Tunisia (Oxford Studies in Digital Politics)

by Scott J. Shackelford

5 out of 5