I once read an article
stating that the internet was the greatest modern invention, citing its
unparalleled ability to connect people from around the world and allow for the
sharing of ideas. Never before have we
so easily been able to build off of the ideas of others, especially those who
are not famous or accredited in any way, as one would be if they publish a book
or scholarly article. The basis of an
idea can truly come from the masses.
This is what is so important about social media’s role in the Arab
Spring revolutions. There was an
immediate connection from civilian to civilian.
People weren’t hearing about revolutions in other areas from news
sources either public or private, they heard about it from the status updates
and tweets of the protesters themselves.
This topic reminds me of learning about the
Enlightenment and its role in the French Revolution. The disillusioned public, yearning to rid the
country of the king, met at Salons to discuss actions and theories regarding
the creation of a government for the people.
In these cases, people knew where to go for the latest information about
the revolution, the latest thoughts of the protesters, and support each other’s
ideas. One knew of specific locations
where the thoughts of the masses could be shared. Isn’t social media much the same way? The protesters in the MENA region knew where
to look to find support in their dissent.
And looking to a web address instead of a real one only made it easier.
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