Technology and the dissemination of information to participate in protests through social networks

The dissemination of information to participate in mobilizations through social networks allows people in different locations to participate, reducing the effort and resources required to join a movement. This study aimed to identify the factors that led people to use social networks to participate in the social movement Je Suis Charlie, in solidarity to the satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo. A survey of 318 respondents was conducted, and the methodology used was quantitative with the use of structural equation modeling. The study presented a robust model with high explanatory value. The results indicate that Attitude, Perceived Behavior Control, Hedonic Motivation and Imitation influence the Use of social networks to participate in protests, and Uncertainty regarding the context of the movement influences Imitation. It is possible to affirm also that there are differences between the relationships of the antecedents of the behavior of the Use between users of different genders and ages.