[Last modified: November, 4 2024 02:37 PM]
Reflecting on the political dimensions of my pilot project, several critical factors come to light, especially as the project now explores not only how the Arab Spring is preserved in digital archives but also how its narratives are revisited on contemporary social media, particularly TikTok. Originally, my research focused on analyzing past social media posts from the Arab Spring and the decisions made by institutions in preserving these digital traces. However, I have since shifted my focus to understanding how these historical events are narrated and reinterpreted today. Specifically, I am interested in how solidarity narratives from the Arab Spring are circulating on TikTok and whether these stories impact or inspire current social movements. This shift emphasizes my interest in the continuity of protest legacies and how past movements resonate in current digital spaces.
It is important to note that my project does not involve creating or contributing to an archive; rather, it seeks to analyze existing narratives and preservation efforts. The political aspects of this approach remain significant because any digital preservation inherently involves selectivity—whether by institutions or platforms—and therefore influences which narratives persist and which may be overlooked. Examining this selectivity is particularly important as it shapes the stories that are accessible to future generations and could impact how the Arab Spring and similar movements are remembered or forgotten.
My positionality as a Japanese researcher with a liberal perspective also influences my approach and interpretations. My interest in narratives of solidarity and social movements may incline me to prioritize or sympathize with voices advocating for grassroots action and social change. Furthermore, my position as an outsider adds a layer of detachment, but also a potential bias, as I interpret events with a cultural and political background distinct from those of the events and individuals in question. Recognizing this positionality helps me critically engage with my research and stay mindful of any biases that might shape my analysis.
Another important aspect of this research lies in the role of TikTok’s algorithm. TikTok’s recommendation system tailors content to users based on their preferences and behaviors, meaning that the narratives I access on this platform are already curated according to my digital footprint. As a result, my view of solidarity narratives on TikTok may not fully represent the diversity of perspectives present on the platform. This limited access is a methodological challenge with political implications, as it reinforces the influence of platform algorithms on the scope and diversity of accessible content. To address these limitations, my analysis will include a critical evaluation of how TikTok’s algorithmic curation might shape the narratives I encounter and affect my research outcomes. By remaining aware of this algorithmic influence, I aim to contextualize my findings within the broader constraints of platform design and to consider the potential impact of these limitations on the insights my research can offer.