Ma`rifat Farhangi Ejtemaei

This study aims to investigate the impact of AI platforms and assistants on the formation and management of future social movements, based on the framework of Connective Action Theory. The main issue is the transformation of social mobilization patterns under the influence of this emerging technology. The research was conducted using a qualitative approach and the Grounded Theory method, through semi-structured interviews with experts in the fields of artificial intelligence, communications, and political science until theoretical saturation was achieved. Findings indicate that AI plays a dual role: on one hand, it enhances social mobilization by increasing individual content production capacity and facilitating network self-organization; on the other hand, it enables the control and steering of collective action through the concentration of infrastructure ownership in the hands of a limited number of corporations and governments. Consequently, the concept of power within Connective Action Theory has shifted from the level of social networks to the level of managing AI platforms, and the future management of social movements will necessitate an understanding of the mechanisms of these platforms and proficiency in algorithmic literacy.