Information and communication technologies as drivers of social unrest

Martha Garcia-Murillo, Moinul Zaber, Marcio Wohlers de Almeida

Research output: Chapter in Book/Entry/PoemChapter

Abstract

Information and communication technologies (ICTs) are alleviating frictions associated with the gathering and distribution of information, as well as reducing transaction costs related to the identifying, monitoring, and coordination of citizens dissatisfied with certain government policies. We conducted a random-effect logit tests based on a uniquely developed panel dataset of 138 countries from 2005 to 2014 to determine, ceteris paribus, whether or not ICTs play a role in facilitating changes to the status quo that gravitate against government policies. We found that ICTs although it can reduce hysteresis, the tendency to remain passive, inertia, is stronger. In addition, because ICTs are multi-purpose technologies they also support other beneficial economic and political activities which can explain why we don't see greater evidence of social unrest with these technologies. The literature on social unrest provide some clues about this phenomenon. People are willing to engage in these movements but it appears that only during a crisis.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationOnline Communities as Agents of Change and Social Movements
PublisherIGI Global
Pages89-115
Number of pages27
ISBN (Electronic)9781522524960
ISBN (Print)1522524959, 9781522524953
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 24 2017

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Computer Science

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