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Journals / Topkapı Sosyal Bilimler Dergisi / 2026 / Cilt: 5 Sayı: 2

The Increase of Citizen Participation in Local Governance Through Social Media

Yerel Yönetimlere Katılımın Sosyal Medya Üzerinden Artışı

Cüneyt Yılmaz(15 KASIM KIBRIS ÜNİVERSİTESİ, SİYASAL VE SOSYAL BİLİMLER FAKÜLTESİ)0000-0003-1655-588X
Pages
241–263
Publication Date
2026-07-31
DOI
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AI Summary & Key Takeaways

AI Insight
⚡ TL;DR(Too Long; Didn't Read)

Findings indicate that social media enhances local participation by facilitating information sharing, transparent communication, feedback mechanisms, and community building.

📌 3 Key Takeaways

🎯
Objective & Hypothesis:This study examines the impact of social media on citizen participation in local governance within digital transformation.
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Key Findings & Data:Despite these benefits, challenges such as the digital divide, unequal access, misinformation, online manipulation, and varying digital literacy remain significant.
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Conclusion & Impact:Findings indicate that social media enhances local participation by facilitating information sharing, transparent communication, feedback mechanisms, and community building.
🔬Design:Review & Systematic Survey
📍Scope:Comprehensive Sample
⚙️Variables:Sosyal Medya · Yerel Yönetim · Vatandaş Katılımı

Abstract

This study examines the impact of social media on citizen participation in local governance within digital transformation. Digitalization has reshaped access to public services and civic engagement, positioning social media as a key tool for interaction between citizens and local authorities. Using secondary data analysis and an extensive literature review, the research evaluates national and international cases, particularly Turkey. Findings indicate that social media enhances local participation by facilitating information sharing, transparent communication, feedback mechanisms, and community building. Young citizens are especially active in local political processes through digital platforms, with engagement closely linked to interactive features. Despite these benefits, challenges such as the digital divide, unequal access, misinformation, online manipulation, and varying digital literacy remain significant. The study offers practical recommendations for local governments to improve social media strategies and strengthen democratic participation, highlighting its transformative role in citizen–government communication and citizen-centered policymaking in local governance.

Özet

Bu çalışma, dijital dönüşüm bağlamında sosyal medyanın yerel yönetişimde vatandaş katılımı üzerindeki etkisini incelemektedir. Dijitalleşme, vatandaşların kamu hizmetlerine erişim ve toplumsal katılım biçimlerini yeniden şekillendirerek, sosyal medyayı vatandaşlar ile yerel yönetimler arasında etkileşimin temel bir aracı hâline getirmiştir. Araştırmada ikincil veri analizi ve kapsamlı bir literatür taraması kullanılarak ulusal ve uluslararası örnekler, özellikle Türkiye bağlamında değerlendirilmiştir. Bulgular, sosyal medyanın bilgi paylaşımını kolaylaştırarak, şeffaf iletişimi destekleyerek, geri bildirim mekanizmaları sağlayarak ve topluluk bilincini güçlendirerek yerel düzeyde katılımı artırdığını göstermektedir. Özellikle genç vatandaşlar, dijital platformlar aracılığıyla yerel siyasi süreçlerde aktif rol almakta ve katılımları platformların etkileşimli özellikleriyle yakından ilişkilidir. Buna rağmen, dijital uçurum, eşitsiz erişim, yanlış bilgi, çevrimiçi manipülasyon ve farklı dijital okuryazarlık seviyeleri gibi zorluklar hâlâ önemli sorunlar olarak varlığını sürdürmektedir. Çalışma, yerel yönetimlerin sosyal medya stratejilerini geliştirmesi ve demokratik katılımı güçlendirmesi için pratik öneriler sunmakta ve sosyal medyanın vatandaş–yönetim iletişiminde ve vatandaş odaklı politika üretiminde dönüştürücü rolünü vurgulamaktadır.

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Cite This Article

Yılmaz, C. (2026). The Increase of Citizen Participation in Local Governance Through Social Media. Topkapı Sosyal Bilimler Dergisi, Cilt: 5 Sayı: 2, 241–263. https://ajindex.com/articles/1621683

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