A Professional Higher Diploma thesis equivalent to a master’s degree, titled “The Role of Social Media Platforms in Shaping the Image of the Presidency of the Republic of Iraq,” was discussed at the College of Mass Communication, University of Baghdad. The thesis was submitted by researcher Salam Taima Jihad.
The discussion committee was chaired by Prof. Dr. Salem Jassim Mohammed, with Prof. Dr. Mohammed Abdul Hassan Al-Amiri as supervisor. Assistant Professor Dr. Sundus Fouad Mustafa served as a committee member, while Assistant Professor Dr. Maytham Falih Hassan was an external committee member.
The study aimed to investigate the role played by digital platforms in building and strengthening the public image of the Presidency of the Republic and to analyze patterns of audience engagement with political content on social media and the extent to which such content influences their perceptions and attitudes toward the Presidency.
The findings showed that the majority of respondents use social media platforms regularly, accounting for 61.63%, reflecting the widespread presence of these platforms in the public’s daily lives and their role in following public issues and political content. Facebook ranked as the most widely used platform for obtaining information related to shaping the image of the Presidency of the Republic of Iraq, followed by TikTok, indicating the growing influence of these platforms in shaping public opinion.
The study recommended strengthening the Presidency’s continuous presence on social media platforms while diversifying content formats, including text and video, and scheduling posts at different times to expand reach and increase audience engagement with official messages. It also emphasized the importance of maintaining credibility and transparency and addressing misleading content.
The findings of the study align with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, which promotes effective and transparent institutions. Effective digital communication and the development of official media discourse through social media platforms can contribute to strengthening public trust in government institutions and raising awareness of national issues.
