The agenda setting effect of social media: Claiming rights and requisition on Twitter

The widespread use of social networks has given agenda-setting research new dimensions. The principle of the fourth estate, suggested by liberal-pluralist theories, is particularly being put to the test in the new communication environment. This study aims to understand the system used in setting the agenda by examining the claiming rights and demands of individuals on Twitter in Turkey. For this purpose, 82 tweets that call for individual or societal claiming rights have been compiled from the Turkish Twitter agenda over the course of a year, between November 1, 2020, and November 1, 2021. The dataset was obtained using the "in case you missed it" feature and the Twitter agenda (Top Trend). From the current dataset, 46 tweets that 'successfully mobilised public administrators, relevant people, or public opinion' were collected in a separate dataset. The tweets in this new dataset were examined using qualitative content analysis. According to the findings, as opposed to what is generally believed, the number of followers or interactions is not the primary factor influencing the success of tweets made by people asserting their rights and demands. Some users have been reported to be able to reach large audiences and important people and achieve results, despite having a relatively low number of followers. Twitter's capability to generate a potent virtual public opinion suggests that social media holds significant influence over shaping public policies for the present and future. Twitter is a useful tool for contacting difficult-to-reach administrators and policymakers.