Abstract

PERALTA B., José Orlando. Social Networks as ways for freedom of speech: An evaluation from Santa Cruz. Oikos Polis [online]. 2018, vol.3, n.1, pp. 33-80. ISSN 2415-2250.

Abstract Since the second decade of the 21st century, social networks have become tools for citizens to challenge the political class in several countries. Do these means allow freedom speech to be effective in the public sphere? The objective of the article is to make an evaluation of its functionality as alternative means to exercise freedom speech in different places, with special emphasis on Bolivia. Through a critical review of the state of the art, concepts and socio-political events between 2011 and 2018 are presented. This results in the recognition of various movements born in social networks that impacted worldwide, and the identification of platforms in Santa Cruz. The possibilities of its symbolic value are discussed in the electoral years 2019-2020 in Bolivia. It is concluded that its positive attributions have allowed to extend the limits of democracy.

Keywords : Social Networks; Citizen platforms; Freedom speech; Public sphere; Democracy.