The Lifecycle of Protests in the Digital Age

Pierre Boyer, Germain Gauthier, Yves Le Yaouanq, Vincent Rollet and Benoit Schmutz

No 19355, CEPR Discussion Papers from C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers

Abstract: We propose a theory of protest dynamics with heterogeneous protest technology and intensity. The ability to mobilize online reduces the likelihood of coordination failures at both the extensive (engagement) and intensive (violence) margins. Social media can initially help launch massive protests, but then encourage radical factions to turn violent and drive out moderates. Using both online and offline data, we show that the 2018 Yellow Vest uprising in France followed such a crowd-in-then-crowd-out sequence: early online and offline mobilizations reinforced each other, but online discussions quickly radicalized, moderates left, and a handful of violent protesters took over the streets.

Keywords: Protests; Crowding-out; Violence; Social media (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: D72 D74 L82 Z13 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024-08
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Working Paper: The Lifecycle of Protests in the Digital Age (2024)
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