The Impact of Digital Communications and Social Media on Government Officials and the Political Sphere: A Case Study of the Arab Spring Revolutions

This study investigates the dual role of social media as both a tool for political mobilization and a mechanism for government surveillance during the Arab Spring. Through in-depth qualitative interviews with 22 government officials from various Middle Eastern and North African countries, the research explores how social media influenced internal decision-making processes and external governmental responses during the uprisings. Employing the theory of structuration and the sociocultural tradition as its theoretical frameworks, the study uncovers the profound impact of social media on state power and public activism. Thematic analysis reveals several key themes, including the rapid adaptation of governmental strategies, the role of social media in crisis management, and the challenges of combating misinformation. While social media empowered citizens to mobilize, it also forced governments to adjust traditional governance structures, leading to greater transparency, surveillance, and real-time public engagement. The findings highlight the complexities of governance in the digital era, offering critical insights for scholars, policymakers, and activists engaged in political communication and digital governance.