نوع مقاله : علمی ـ پژوهشی
نویسنده
مرکز نوآوری نوفل لوشاتو
کلیدواژهها
عنوان مقاله English
نویسنده English
Abstract
The communication technology revolution has brought profound changes to human lifestyles, work, and communication. Instagram, by altering the traditional production chain and implementing digital governance, have had significant social and political impacts, weakening the power of national governments and cultural identities. This study examines how Instagram influences social, cultural, and governance structures of governments, as well as promotes the goals of the 2030 agenda. The research utilizes a descriptive-analytical method and draws on various sources, including official Meta and Instagram documents.
The framework of the study indicates that internet platforms, in competition with governments and companies, aim to disrupt the competitive value chain. instagram change the production structure, which markets have created based on the power of modern governments. By creating producer and consumer counterparts and establishing new governance practices, they reduce the power of governments and form new production chains. In this regard, Instagram, by breaking the competitive value chain previously controlled by governments, has been able to impose its own norms and policies on users. The findings suggest that these policies align with the implementation of the 2030 agenda, creating significant challenges for national governments and cultural identities, which require precise responses and policymaking to preserve these elements.
Keywords: Social Changes, Platform, Instagram, 2030 Agenda, Production Chain
Introduction
The rapid evolution of communication technologies has led to profound transformations in the ways humans live, work, and communicate. Among these technological advancements, social media platforms such as Instagram have played a significant role. Instagram has transformed traditional methods of production and communication, utilizing digital governance to influence various social, cultural, and political structures. It is apparent that platforms like Instagram have reduced the authority of national governments, altered cultural identities, and introduced new social norms. This study aims to explore how Instagram affects governance structures, societal values, and cultural practices while promoting the objectives of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The 2030 Agenda, which focuses on achieving sustainability through collective global action, is being influenced significantly by digital platforms like Instagram, and the study investigates how these platforms align with the agenda's goals.
The core problem that this research addresses is the increasing power of global digital platforms, particularly Instagram, and their ability to override national regulations and cultural norms. The study seeks to answer the following questions: How does Instagram use its global reach and technological capabilities to influence and promote the goals of the 2030 Agenda? How does Instagram impact the governance structures of national governments and affect the identity of cultures? In addition, the study considers how national governments respond to the challenges posed by Instagram and similar platforms in relation to digital governance, regulation, and cultural preservation.
This paper draws from a wide range of literature across various disciplines, including communications, sociology, political science, and economics, to understand the role of Instagram in the 2030 Agenda's implementation. Previous studies have highlighted the significant influence of social media platforms in shaping public discourse, affecting cultural and social practices, and aligning with global policies. For example, several studies have demonstrated how social media platforms, especially Instagram, have contributed to global educational goals by enabling faster, wider dissemination of information, particularly regarding sustainability issues. Studies such as those by Rajabi et al. (2020) and Leaver et al. (2020) explore Instagram’s potential in fostering global cultural norms aligned with the 2030 Agenda, particularly around issues like gender equality, environmental protection, and social justice.
However, there is a gap in the literature regarding the specific mechanisms through which Instagram directly enforces the 2030 Agenda's goals. While some research has focused on the positive impacts of social media platforms, there has been less attention on how these platforms can challenge national cultural and legal structures. This study aims to bridge this gap by analyzing how Instagram, as a platform owned by Meta, interacts with global governance frameworks like the 2030 Agenda and imposes its own norms.
Materials and Methods
The study employs a descriptive-analytical approach, which is particularly suited to understanding the complex interactions between digital platforms and the 2030 Agenda. The methodology combines qualitative data analysis from official sources such as Meta’s published reports, Instagram's community guidelines, and other relevant documents. The study also draws from case studies of Instagram’s involvement in global governance issues, such as its role in promoting gender equality and environmental sustainability. The data collection includes secondary sources, such as official documents and reports from international organizations like the United Nations, to examine how Instagram aligns its policies with the objectives of the 2030 Agenda.
The research focuses on several key elements of Instagram’s operations: (1) the platform’s role in disrupting traditional production and consumption chains, (2) the application of Instagram’s digital governance practices that align with the goals of the 2030 Agenda, (3) the platform’s impact on national sovereignty and cultural identity, and (4) the challenges and responses from governments to these changes.
Discussion & Result
Instagram, with over 2.35 billion active users globally, represents a major force in reshaping not only the digital economy but also the global cultural landscape. One of the primary findings of this research is Instagram’s ability to break down traditional value chains. By creating a direct connection between producers and consumers, Instagram has reduced the role of intermediaries and empowered users to create and distribute content without the need for traditional media outlets. This shift has diminished the power of governments, which have traditionally regulated and controlled the production and distribution of cultural and economic goods.
Another key finding is that Instagram enforces a set of global norms that align with the 2030 Agenda's objectives. These norms include promoting gender equality, environmental sustainability, and social justice, all of which are key components of the 2030 Agenda. Instagram's policies on removing harmful content, addressing hate speech, and ensuring the security of marginalized groups align with the values outlined in the 2030 Agenda. Furthermore, Instagram's role in facilitating global movements, such as #MeToo and climate change awareness, has demonstrated its capacity to shape public discourse in ways that align with global sustainability goals.
However, this research also highlights significant challenges for national governments and cultural identities. Instagram’s global governance model, which allows it to impose its norms across borders, often conflicts with national laws and cultural practices. The study provides examples of instances where Instagram has taken actions that challenge local regulations. For instance, Instagram’s content moderation policies, which remove or restrict content related to political protests or cultural topics, have clashed with national sovereignty. Furthermore, the platform’s policies on gender identity and LGBTQ+ rights sometimes conflict with conservative cultural practices in certain countries. These examples underscore the tension between global digital governance and national cultural preservation.
Conclusion
The findings suggest that Instagram has become a powerful actor in global governance, often challenging national governments’ authority in areas related to cultural identity and social norms. By leveraging its digital platform, Instagram has the ability to shape public opinion, create new economic models, and promote the goals of the 2030 Agenda. However, the research also reveals that these transformations pose significant challenges for traditional forms of governance and cultural preservation.
One of the central conclusions of this study is that digital platforms like Instagram have introduced a new form of governance—network governance—that operates beyond traditional state borders. Instagram’s policies and actions are increasingly aligned with global norms, such as those outlined in the 2030 Agenda. This shift presents both opportunities and challenges for national governments, which must adapt to the changing landscape of digital governance. The research concludes by emphasizing the need for governments to develop new strategies for regulating digital platforms like Instagram and for ensuring that local cultural identities and national laws are not undermined in the process.
In terms of policy recommendations, the study suggests that governments need to work collaboratively with global platforms like Instagram to create frameworks that promote both global sustainability goals and respect for local cultural practices. Additionally, there is a need for greater transparency in the decision-making processes of platforms like Instagram to ensure that their actions align with the interests of all stakeholders, including national governments, local communities, and users.
کلیدواژهها English