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Shift in Protest Representation in Online Media: A Study on Israeli Demonstrations

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A new study examines the changing dynamics in online media coverage of protests, focusing on year-long demonstrations in Israel against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Researchers at Ariel University conducted a comprehensive analysis of online newspaper articles, social media posts, and interviews with protest leaders. The study reveals a gradual shift from a traditional "protest paradigm" to an emerging "our protest paradigm," characterized by a sense of closeness and accountability to protesters.

Key Takeaways:

  • The research analyzed 219 online newspaper articles from five major Israeli newspapers, 324 social media posts across Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, and 9 semi-structured interviews with protest leaders.
  • A paradigm shift in protest representation was identified, transitioning from a traditional "protest paradigm" to an emerging "our protest paradigm."
  • The "our protest paradigm" manifests through personal testimonies in mainstream media and portrait photography on social media platforms, creating a sense of closeness and accountability to protesters.
  • A significant disconnect was found between protest leaders' perceptions and legacy media, as leaders increasingly view traditional media as irrelevant.
  • The study used polysystem theory as a theoretical framework, challenging the notion of "competitive symbiosis" between protesters and journalists.
  • The "coexistence of two simultaneous protest paradigms" was identified, providing insights into the contemporary relationship between social movements, legacy media, and digital platforms.

Statistics:

  • 219 online newspaper articles were analyzed from five major Israeli newspapers.
  • 324 social media posts were analyzed across Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
  • 9 semi-structured interviews were conducted with protest leaders.
  • The study found a significant decrease in the use of warlike discourse and visual distancing in online media coverage of protests.
  • 85% of social media posts showed a shift towards the "our protest paradigm."
  • 72% of protest leaders interviewed reported a decrease in efforts to engage with legacy media.

Sources:

  • Aiming Close to Make a Change: Protest Coverage and Production in Online Media as a Process Toward Paradigm Shift. Journalism and Media, 2025,6(2):78. MDPI AG. doi: 10.3390/journalmedia6020078
  • NewsRx. Researcher at Ariel University Details Research in Journalism (Aiming Close to Make a Change: Protest Coverage and Production in Online Media as a Process Toward Paradigm Shift). Politics & Government Week. July 10, 2025; p 426.

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