The relationship between media use, perceptions and regime preference in post-Arab Spring countries

Abstract

This paper examines the link between attitudes and perceptions and feelings of dissatisfaction predicating the Arab Spring uprisings in Tunisia, Egypt, Libya and Yemen and their correlation to various media use. World Value Survey Report data show choice of media directly predicts governance preference and indirectly predicts governance preference through the creation of certain perceptions. Democratic rule preference is strongly linked to the use of the internet, mobile phones and newspapers. Mobile phones indirectly correlate (negatively) to dictatorial governance but directly correlate to army rule acceptance. Newspapers contribute directly and indirectly to the acceptance of a dictatorial regime and tolerance of army rule.