L'impact de la communication numérique sur la participation citoyenne locale

Thesis Abstract

The rapid proliferation of digital communication platforms has significantly transformed the landscape of civic engagement at the local level, raising critical questions about how these technological shifts influence citizens’ participation in community affairs. This study investigates the impact of digital communication on local citizen participation, aiming to elucidate both the extent and nature of this influence within urban communities. The specific objectives include assessing the relationship between digital communication usage and participation levels, identifying factors that motivate or hinder engagement through digital channels, and exploring citizens' perceptions of digital communication’s efficacy in fostering community involvement. Employing a mixed-methods research design, the study integrates quantitative surveys with qualitative interviews to capture a comprehensive understanding of the phenomenon. The research population comprises residents of the metropolitan area of Lyon, France, specifically targeting adults aged 18-65 who are active or potential users of digital communication platforms for civic purposes. A stratified random sampling technique yielded a sample size of 400 respondents for the quantitative component, ensuring representativeness across socio-demographic strata, while 20 in-depth interviews were conducted with key informants including local government officials, community leaders, and digital platform users. Data collection instruments comprise a structured questionnaire measured on a five-point Likert scale to quantify engagement behaviors, and semi-structured interview guides designed to explore perceptions and motivations in depth. Validity and reliability of the survey instruments were established through pilot testing and expert reviews, with Cronbach’s alpha exceeding 0.85 indicating high internal consistency. Quantitative data analysis involves descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and multiple regression analysis to determine the predictors of digital civic participation, guided by the Theory of Planned Behavior and the Digital Engagement Model. Qualitative data underwent thematic analysis using NVivo software, enabling identification of recurring themes related to trust, accessibility, and perceived efficacy of digital communication tools. It is anticipated that the findings will reveal a significant positive correlation between digital communication usage and civic participation levels, with key factors such as perceived usefulness, ease of use, and trust in digital platforms acting as mediators. The study is expected to demonstrate that digital channels facilitate more inclusive and timely engagement, particularly among younger demographics, but also face barriers related to digital literacy and digital divides. The results will contribute to existing literature by providing empirical evidence on the nuanced effects of digital communication in local civic contexts, addressing gaps related to the differential impact across socio-demographic groups and the moderating influence of local government policies. The study’s main contribution lies in bridging the gap between technological advancements and civic engagement theory, offering a contextualized model of digital civic participation that integrates psychological and infrastructural variables. It concludes that strategic enhancement of digital platforms, fostering trust and digital literacy, can significantly augment community involvement at the local level. Policy recommendations include the promotion of user-centered digital communication strategies, increased digital literacy programs, and fostering partnerships between local authorities and digital communities to enhance civic participation. Future research should explore longitudinal changes in digital civic engagement and examine comparative analyses across different urban settings. Overall, this study underscores the transformative potential of digital communication to foster more participatory and inclusive local governance, emphasizing the necessity for strategic implementations respecting socio-cultural diversity and technological accessibility.