Egyptian political conversations on Clubhouse: Proto-public sphere at the age of the pandemic
Authors: Elsheikh, D. and Lilleker, D.
Journal: Interactions (Journal) Studies in Communication & Culture
Volume: 13
Issue: 1
DOI: 10.1386/iscc_00051_1
Abstract:Clubhouse is an invitation only social media app where users communicate in real- time audio chat rooms that accommodate up to five thousand users per room. It became popular among Egyptians during the COVID-19 pandemic who actively participated in various discussions – including politics. This exploratory study asks whether the app performed functions that might form the basis for an emerg- ing public sphere in Egypt, filling a gap in society where freedom of expression via traditional media is under state control, through satisfying a need for connectivity during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study first introduces Clubhouse and its uses in Egypt within the context of that nation’s politics during 2021, then moves on to conceptualizing the public sphere within the context of the current hyperme- dia age, identifying the conditions which might allow Clubhouse to cut through in ways other platforms have failed in a range of contexts. The study argues that Clubhouse facilitated the creation of what may appear as a proto-public sphere by facilitating connections between a large number of Egyptian citizens with different political affiliations, and by offering an insight into what issues circulate within Egyptian society. Yet, the app presented structural barriers which limited partici- pation beyond access to technology, and there were limited means for the discus- sions to have a positive impact on society.
https://eprints.bournemouth.ac.uk/39925/
Source: Manual
Egyptian political conversations on Clubhouse: Proto-public sphere at the age of the pandemic
Authors: Elsheikh, D. and Lilleker, D.
Journal: Interactions (Journal) Studies in Communication & Culture
Abstract:In this article, we use Shoemaker and Reese’s hierarchy of influences (HOI) model as a framework to investigate the ways in which Egyptian journalists perceive the influences exerted on them in the context of post-Arab Spring transition. Our findings show that perceptions of limitations to journalism practice can extend to all levels in the hierarchy of influences model, and that journalistic autonomy is particularly impeded due to factors at the social systems level. This leads to an adaptation of the HOI model as we find that the perceived closure of the public sphere and a complicated network of clientelism at the social system level has impacted journalism practice negatively in Egypt and has a wider influence on the rest of the four levels in the model. In other words, routines, individuals, organizations, and social institutions all seem to mediate the social system’s influence on journalistic behavior. These findings are discussed in light of research on journalism in transitional contexts.
https://eprints.bournemouth.ac.uk/39925/
Source: BURO EPrints