This article is a great example of how technology has helped improve the world. In 2011, Egypt was in total chaos. The country was warring because some wanted to overthrow the government, while others supported it. This led to internal protest and often violence. Normally, I wouldn’t associate social media with violence. However, after reading this article, I understand that I was wrong.
In many ways, social media enhanced the quality of the fights. Rebels could easily transfer information to each other, and in mass groups. Without media, word would be spread my mouth or by print, which could take days or weeks. With social media, information could be spread in mere seconds.
For example, one story that really stood out to me was the man who was live tweeting his arrest. Although this may seem foolish, it served a good purpose: he was warning the rest of his people. He alerted them that they were using teargas, violence, and arresting people.
Another major way rebels utilized media was to spread their messages to outsiders. In order to overthrow a government, people 100% need outside support. The more support, the better their chance of freedom. They used Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to display what was going on in their country, and to update the world on their status.
Even if other countries’ citizens weren’t directly involved in social media, it was still affecting them. News channels around the world would follow Egyptians on social media, and relay the information through their broadcasts.
I found this article extremely interesting, because many people complain about the use of social media. Many think it’s useless and crippling. However, this article epitomizes the positive affects of social media. It saved countless lives, and definitely led a group of people to victory and liberty. How’s that for Twitter, eh?
In many ways, social media enhanced the quality of the fights. Rebels could easily transfer information to each other, and in mass groups. Without media, word would be spread my mouth or by print, which could take days or weeks. With social media, information could be spread in mere seconds.
For example, one story that really stood out to me was the man who was live tweeting his arrest. Although this may seem foolish, it served a good purpose: he was warning the rest of his people. He alerted them that they were using teargas, violence, and arresting people.
Another major way rebels utilized media was to spread their messages to outsiders. In order to overthrow a government, people 100% need outside support. The more support, the better their chance of freedom. They used Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to display what was going on in their country, and to update the world on their status.
Even if other countries’ citizens weren’t directly involved in social media, it was still affecting them. News channels around the world would follow Egyptians on social media, and relay the information through their broadcasts.
I found this article extremely interesting, because many people complain about the use of social media. Many think it’s useless and crippling. However, this article epitomizes the positive affects of social media. It saved countless lives, and definitely led a group of people to victory and liberty. How’s that for Twitter, eh?