Within LISEC, Cédric Hounnou analyzed political discourse in Benin in the era of social media.
Cédric Hounnou, chercheur·e au sein de LISEC (Université de Strasbourg).
Thèse soutenue en 2024 à l'école doctorale École doctorale Sciences humaines et sociales – Perspectives européennes (Strasbourg ; 2009-....).
Référencée dans le réseau ABES/STAR, cette thèse répond aux critères de rigueur de l'enseignement supérieur français.
Social media has profoundly transformed political communication in Benin, particularly regarding sustainable development issues. In a context where access to information has become instantaneous and citizens are increasingly engaged, Cédric Hounnou's thesis highlights how these platforms influence the discourse of political actors. In particular, it focuses on crucial topics such as poverty and the environment, which are at the heart of Beninese concerns. By analyzing discourse on Facebook, the main social network used in the country, Hounnou reveals that the Beninese political class has found a new space for expression, but also a challenge to overcome.
This transformation of political discourse is not limited to a simple technological evolution. It is part of a broader context where citizens' expectations are evolving. For example, young people, who represent a significant portion of the population, are particularly active on social media. They demand greater transparency and accountability from their leaders. This dynamic has led to a more pronounced emphasis on social issues, often at the expense of environmental concerns. This raises important questions: how to balance these two dimensions to meet citizens' expectations?
Social media offers a unique opportunity for more direct and participatory communication. However, this opportunity requires an adaptation of political communication strategies. Political actors must learn to navigate this digital space, taking into account the cultural and social specificities of Benin. For example, awareness campaigns on environmental issues could be conducted on these platforms, using engaging formats such as videos or infographics.
The results of the study show that political actors must engage more in this digital dynamic. By promoting communication that integrates both social and environmental concerns, they can strengthen participatory democracy and better meet the needs of the population. This could involve concrete initiatives, such as online discussion forums where citizens can ask questions and express their concerns directly to decision-makers.
It is essential to ask whether current policies are sufficiently adapted to this new reality. Decision-makers must consider strategies that encourage balanced and inclusive political communication. This could involve training for political actors on the use of social media, as well as initiatives aimed at raising public awareness about sustainable development issues. For example, partnerships with local NGOs could be established to promote awareness campaigns on sustainable practices.
In summary, this thesis paves the way for reflection on the future of political communication in Benin. Social media is not just a tool, but a real lever for transforming political discourse and practices. Sustainable development issues must be at the heart of this transformation in order to build a fairer and more sustainable future for all. By integrating environmental concerns into public debate, political actors can not only meet citizens' expectations but also contribute to positive societal change.
Thus, it is crucial for political actors to recognize the importance of these issues. Social media can serve as a platform to promote public policies that take into account both social and environmental needs. By adopting a proactive and inclusive approach, they can not only strengthen their legitimacy but also foster sustainable development that benefits the entire Beninese society.
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Sources et accès
Cédric Hounnou. Les discours politiques à l'ère des médias sociaux : le cas du développement durable au Bénin. Sciences de l'information et de la communication. Université de Strasbourg; Université d'Abomey-Calavi (Bénin), 2024. Français. ⟨NNT : 2024STRAG024⟩. ⟨tel-05111819⟩