June Journeys in Brazil: transformations in the public space and social mobilization in the network

Abstract

This article aims to show how Facebook became a space for discussion and social mobilization during the protests occurred in June 2013 in Brazil. Our theoretical framework addresses the issue of Internet as a new public space, and the rising of new media and social mobilization on the web. In order to verify the theory in empirical terms we chose the 18th of June as a time frame, when there was the most expressive protests and occupations of public spaces across the country. Thus, we consider the posts on Facebook provided on the pages of the Brazilian channel Mídia Ninja. Using a specific methodology for analyzing web content, we used qualitative and quantitative methods to check the contents of images, themes, features, links, and language. We apply the same analysis grid in the comments of the posts. This study considers the ability of these elements of complexity. We conclude that social networking offers important tools for public debate and to the possibility of expanding the democratic space. However, the citizen and media need to use those channels and tools in a more critical and consistently way.