R&I Objective 1 (achieved) was to build and test a theoretical model of pro-democracy platform advocacy, based on original evidence from three cases of Asian pro-democracy movements (Myanmar, Thailand, and Hong Kong) and their advocacy toward three social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, and Telegram). The project achieved the objective by building and testing a theoretical model of pro-democracy platform advocacy. The mixed methods analysis is based on primary data from Myanmar, Thailand, and Cambodia and secondary data from Hong Kong, Palestinian, and other Global South-based human rights advocates regarding pro-democracy advocacy efforts towards Facebook/Meta, Twitter/X, Telegram, YouTube, TikTok, etc.
R&I Objective 2 (achieved) was to turn the findings into two open-access academic articles and three applied innovations, including a best practice guide for pro-democracy activists, a set of policy recommendations for social media companies, and a digital advocacy resource for social media users. The project achieved Objective 2 by turning the findings into two academic articles, one book chapter, one best practice guide for pro-democracy activists, one set of policy recommendations for social media companies, and one set of Digital Defence Resources for social media users. One academic article is published open-access on Open Research Europe, the best practice guide is published open-access on Tech Policy Press, and the Digital Defence Resources is available at digidef.info and as a Telegram chatbot.
Training Objective 1 (achieved) was to gain a solid theoretical foundation in internet governance. I achieved the objective by attending Prof. Trisha Meyer’s “Internet Censorship, Control, and Governance” course and integrated findings from twenty books and articles to build my model of pro-democracy platform advocacy. A theoretical model on pro-democracy platform advocacy was produced, revised based on Prof. Meyer’s feedback, and finalised.
Training Objective 2 (achieved) was to upgrade my digital methods, especially in collecting and analysing non-Facebook contents. I achieved the objective by attending Prof. Laurence Claeys’s “Digital Methods and Innovation” course and “Introduction to R” course. The courses equipped me with relevant data science techniques in gathering, cleaning, analysing, and visualizing social media posts, hashtags, comments, and hyperlinks. After the course, a social media content analysis was produced, revised based on feedback by the co-instructor, and finalised.
Training Objective 3 (achieved) was to develop my transferrable skills. I achieved the objective by attending VUB’s four transferrable skill courses, leading the project’s external presentations, meetings, and workshops, and taking part in project management. These activities helped me to develop my interpersonal skills, effectively communicate my research findings, coach mentees to build their independence, and learn best approaches to tackle conflicts and manage tasks.
