Social media as a community incubator

Abstract

The emergence of the Internet and, consequently, of social media brought into the area of human interaction a set of transformations with a historical dimension. In the last ten years, the information society has become an expanding reality. There are countless possibilities for communication and exchanges of ideas, including among scientists, such as: forums, blogs, social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.), text, audio and video conferencing applications (WhatsApp, Windows Live, Skype, etc.). The main objective of this study is to highlight, through the ethnographic method (observation and interviews), the study of the initiation and organization of virtual communities that manifest in the public space through protest movements. It aims also to point out the role that socialization platforms have in forming spontaneous solidarities and in shaping the civic engagement.