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The Lifecycle of Protests in the Digital Age

Author

Listed:
  • Boyer, Pierre
  • Gauthier, Germain
  • Le Yaouanq, Yves
  • Rollet, Vincent
  • Schmutz, Benoit

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Boyer, Pierre & Gauthier, Germain & Le Yaouanq, Yves & Rollet, Vincent & Schmutz, Benoit, 2024. "The Lifecycle of Protests in the Digital Age," CEPR Discussion Papers 19355, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.
    • Handle: RePEc:cpr:ceprdp:19355
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Peterson, Andrew & Spirling, Arthur, 2018. "Classification Accuracy as a Substantive Quantity of Interest: Measuring Polarization in Westminster Systems," Political Analysis, Cambridge University Press, vol. 26(1), pages 120-128, January.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Protests; Crowding-out; Violence; Social media;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D72 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Political Processes: Rent-seeking, Lobbying, Elections, Legislatures, and Voting Behavior
    • D74 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Conflict; Conflict Resolution; Alliances; Revolutions
    • L82 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Services - - - Entertainment; Media
    • Z13 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics - - - Economic Sociology; Economic Anthropology; Language; Social and Economic Stratification

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