Thursday 10 April 2025
Researchers have been studying how social movements unfold on social media, and a recent paper sheds light on the crucial role of organizations in these digital mobilizations. The study examines two networks related to the 2011 Chilean student movement, where thousands of students protested against government policies.
Social media has become an essential tool for modern protests, allowing individuals to share information, coordinate actions, and connect with like-minded people worldwide. However, researchers have long debated whether social movements are still effective without traditional organizations, such as labor unions or advocacy groups. The new study suggests that these organizations are more important than ever in today’s digital age.
The researchers analyzed data from Twitter, focusing on two hashtags: #FuerzaEstudiantes and #YoMarchoEl28. These hashtags were used by students to express their discontent with the government and organize protests. By examining the communication patterns between users who shared these hashtags, the researchers identified distinct network structures.
One of the most striking findings is that organizations played a crucial role in spreading information within both networks. In the #FuerzaEstudiantes network, which was more hierarchical, organizations were responsible for disseminating messages to a larger audience. In contrast, the #YoMarchoEl28 network, characterized by triadic closure (where users connected with others who shared similar interests), saw individuals sharing information among themselves.
The study also highlights the importance of leadership within these networks. In both cases, influential users and organizations helped amplify the message, increasing its visibility and reach. These leaders were not necessarily famous or charismatic figures but rather ordinary people who had a strong online presence and used their social media skills to mobilize others.
The findings have significant implications for understanding how social movements unfold on social media. The researchers argue that organizations are essential in providing structure, resources, and leadership to digital mobilizations. Without these organizations, protests may struggle to gain momentum or sustain themselves over time.
Moreover, the study suggests that traditional notions of leadership and organization need to be reevaluated in the age of social media. Social movements no longer rely solely on charismatic leaders or established organizations but instead involve a diverse range of individuals who use their online presence to mobilize others.
The paper’s results also underscore the importance of understanding how information spreads within digital networks. By analyzing communication patterns, researchers can better comprehend how social movements emerge and evolve, as well as identify key factors that contribute to their success or failure.
Cite this article: “Organizations and Networks: Unpacking the Role of Connective Action in Social Movements”, The Science Archive, 2025.
Social Media, Protests, Organizations, Student Movement, Chile, Twitter, Network Structures, Leadership, Mobilization, Digital Age
