The role and impact of virtual space in social movements: The case study of Egypt

“What role the internet and ICT have in social and political developments of Islamic countries?” this question arises from the rapid spread of internet and ICT, as new kinds of media. This article seeks to analyze the impact of ICT on social movements and social and political actions of civil society in Egypt. Underlying the resource mobilization theory by Charles Tilly, the role and impact of virtual space in the processes of mobilization model (interests, mobilization, organization, power, repression/facilitation, and threat/opportunity) and elements of “repertoire” of social movement, are studied. It is proved that the successful interaction between the virtual space and social movement results from a dynamic accommodation between functions of socio-political groups in real and virtual worlds. Finally, this article reflects the potential perspective in the relationship of internet and social activities in Islamic countries, based on the assumption that the internet interaction pattern helps to emerge and enhance some elements of Tilly’s resource mobilization theory, especially when internet is sympathetic to people’s interests in the real world.