SOCIAL NETWORKS IN MALI: Between political mobilization and censorship mechanisms

Khalid Dembele (), Issa Ballo (), Bakary Kone (), Etienne Sissoko () and Alexis Dembele
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Khalid Dembele: USSGB - Université des sciences sociales et de gestion de Bamako
Issa Ballo: Université des sciences sociales et de gestion de Bamako - USSGB - Université des sciences sociales et de gestion de Bamako, USSGB - Université des sciences sociales et de gestion de Bamako
Bakary Kone: Université des sciences sociales et de gestion de Bamako - USSGB - Université des sciences sociales et de gestion de Bamako, USSGB - Université des sciences sociales et de gestion de Bamako
Etienne Sissoko: Université des sciences sociales et de gestion de Bamako - USSGB - Université des sciences sociales et de gestion de Bamako, CRAPES MALI - Centre de Recherche et d'Analyses Politiques, Economiques et Sociales du Mali, Faculté des Sciences économiques et de Gestion - USSGB - Université des sciences sociales et de gestion de Bamako
Alexis Dembele: UCAO-UuBa - Université Catholique d'Afrique de l'Ouest - Unité Universitaire de Bamako, USSGB - Université des sciences sociales et de gestion de Bamako

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Abstract: This exploratory study analyzes the impact of social networks on political mobilization and censorship mechanisms in Mali, a country undergoing political transition since August 18, 2020. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative and qualitative techniques, with a sample of 384 individuals selected using quota sampling. The sample included media professionals, activists, videographers, digital experts, government communication officers, communication specialists, professors of political communication, and social media users. The findings indicate that 70% of users-primarily on Facebook and WhatsApp-actively participate in social and political movements. Censorship and selfcensorship affect 68% of journalists, while 95% of users report exposure to disinformation, particularly during periods of crisis. This study sheds light on the social and political dynamics of Mali in the digital age, emphasizing the complex role of social networks and the challenges posed by censorship and disinformation.

Keywords: Disinformation. JEL Classification Codes: D72; Z13; O55; D83; L82; Censorship; Political Mobilization; Social Networks; Mali; Mali Social Networks Political Mobilization Censorship Disinformation. JEL Classification Codes: D72 L82 D83 O55 Z13 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025-01-25
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Published in 2025, ⟨10.5281/zenodo.10582646⟩

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:hal:journl:hal-05562276

DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.10582646

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