The Impact of Information Technology and Social Networks in changing Political and Social Reality of the Arab Countries

Abstract

The impact of online social networks on social capital can be achieved in myriad ways. For instance, common interest groups can help users coordinate for collective action. At the same time, regular exchanges between users can foster trust and norms of reciprocity that are key antecedents of community life. Likewise, news feeds allow users to keep in touch with what is going on “out there.” This paper looks at the positive and negative impacts of the internet and the social media in the Arab world; Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, Morocco, Yemen, Jordan, Syria, Bahrain and Palestine. It also focuses on the factors that, have led to the increased use of the social media in these states as well as the measures and controls the authorities are taking to monitor the use of the social media.