مؤسسة الشرق الأوسط للنشر العلمي
عادةً ما يتم الرد في غضون خمس دقائق
Social movements have historically relied on traditional media and public gatherings to gain traction and effect change. However, the digital age has ushered in a new era of activism, characterized by the emergence of hybrid public spaces. These spaces, where the physical world converges with the digital, empower social movements by offering unique advantages over solely physical or online platforms. This paper explores the concept of hybrid public spaces and their significance for contemporary social movements. It argues that these spaces foster a sense of community and solidarity, provide powerful visuals for traditional media, and enable the rapid dissemination of information through social media. Case studies from the Arab Spring and the Lebanese Uprising illustrate how protestors strategically transformed neglected public areas into vibrant hubs of dissent, utilizing both physical and digital tools to amplify their message. The paper also acknowledges the challenges associated with hybrid public spaces. This research contributes to the limited scholarship on the intersection of traditional media, digital platforms, and social movements. It offers valuable insights for future research and activism, particularly regarding the strategic use of hybrid public spaces and the need to address the associated challenges.