Social media and social change in Iraq

This chapter discusses the Internet and social media transformation in Iraq and describes the major influencers and key changes. I argue that social media is generally characterized by its polarized politics which in itself is shaped by ethno-sectarian affiliations. During election times, several political parties enhance their online activities by weaponizing social media outlets through the employment of political trolls or what is popularly known as “electronic flies” to defend their policies and attack their opponents, while sectarian affiliations still shape the political rhetoric, especially in the online sphere. As will be explained, the Internet was introduced in Iraq a bit later than other countries in the region for political reasons. However, most Iraqis now have an Internet connection, especially via their mobile devices, while social media platforms like Facebook are increasingly important in the lives of people. Yet online political rhetoric is still playing a role in enhancing sectarian and intersectarian divisions despite the continuous calls for unity among different groups. I argue here that social movements like anti-corruption popular protests that are decentralized in nature often rely on new media technologies and are offering hope for unity among Iraqis, because such movements include people from all religious and ethnic backgrounds.