"If the internet crashed all across the land
Or my facebook account was deleted by the man
I'd carry around a picture of my face
And a summary of me typed out on a page"
In Jan 2011 the egyptian government attempted to shut down the country's digital networks in order to put a stop to protesters organising themselves online. Manuel Castells suggestion that "technology does not determine society" in Why Networks Matter was proven valid when the protesters continued to rally together, undeterred by their government's actions.
But the situation did more than make communications within the country difficult. It showed that though the protests continued without digital help, communication networks like the internet and specifically social networking sites, were a formidable tool that allowed protesters to organise themselves faster and rally together greater numbers. So effective were these online networks, that they posed a threat to Hosni Mubarak's continued power over the Egyptian people.
Global networks have changed the face of modern protest and Egypt is not the only government that feels threatened. The Zambian Watchdog reports that Malawi has taken a leaf out of Mubarak's book and shut down some news sites and social media networks, fearing these networks will entice and aid further protests as they did in Egypt. PCWorld reports China has similar concerns, strengthening it's censorship of foreign social media sites such as Facebook, the site believed to be most useful during the Egyptian protests in January.
While some governments around the world are fearing the organisational power digital networks. Recent 'digital campaigning' by US politicians via digital networking sites such as Twitter, Facebook and YouTube have got some experts debating their effectiveness as a campaign tool. Reporternews.com reports that campaigning via social media has leading political science experts debating it's effectiveness against communicating with constituents in the 'real' world.
I guess we'll find out when the votes are counted.
For more interesting articles regarding the role of social media in civil unrest, click the links below:
asiancorrespondent.com: Social Media, Censorship and the Thai Government.
rapidnewsnetwork.com: Politicians campaign using social media.
pcworld.com: Social Networking Trumps Censorship Every Time.
Or my facebook account was deleted by the man
I'd carry around a picture of my face
And a summary of me typed out on a page"
In Jan 2011 the egyptian government attempted to shut down the country's digital networks in order to put a stop to protesters organising themselves online. Manuel Castells suggestion that "technology does not determine society" in Why Networks Matter was proven valid when the protesters continued to rally together, undeterred by their government's actions.
But the situation did more than make communications within the country difficult. It showed that though the protests continued without digital help, communication networks like the internet and specifically social networking sites, were a formidable tool that allowed protesters to organise themselves faster and rally together greater numbers. So effective were these online networks, that they posed a threat to Hosni Mubarak's continued power over the Egyptian people.
Global networks have changed the face of modern protest and Egypt is not the only government that feels threatened. The Zambian Watchdog reports that Malawi has taken a leaf out of Mubarak's book and shut down some news sites and social media networks, fearing these networks will entice and aid further protests as they did in Egypt. PCWorld reports China has similar concerns, strengthening it's censorship of foreign social media sites such as Facebook, the site believed to be most useful during the Egyptian protests in January.
While some governments around the world are fearing the organisational power digital networks. Recent 'digital campaigning' by US politicians via digital networking sites such as Twitter, Facebook and YouTube have got some experts debating their effectiveness as a campaign tool. Reporternews.com reports that campaigning via social media has leading political science experts debating it's effectiveness against communicating with constituents in the 'real' world.
I guess we'll find out when the votes are counted.
For more interesting articles regarding the role of social media in civil unrest, click the links below:
asiancorrespondent.com: Social Media, Censorship and the Thai Government.
rapidnewsnetwork.com: Politicians campaign using social media.
pcworld.com: Social Networking Trumps Censorship Every Time.
The Spanish revolution is not as known as the Egyptian but it also started in the social networks. Facebook mainly. The regional elections, that took part in may, were the starting point for it. The objective: changing the government system that we actually have.
ReplyDeleteThe revolution is still going on but losing strenght. I hope it changes something. At least to make the politicians realize that they don't dominate as much as have been dominating till now.
It does seem to be Facebook that dissents turn to in times of political revolution though doesn't it? Ease of access and large user bases act like a virtual word of mouth, I'm thinking that's the main draw card. Facebook Inbox also provides a pseudo privacy from the public news feed but still allows users to reach large groups.
ReplyDeleteNice mentioning Malawi and China in this context. 'Ease of access and large user bases' are really the key, but as Antia says not always enough to achieve critical mass.
ReplyDeleteMmmm, I think Web 2.0 technologically has the potential to perpetuate change and greater equality, but socially and culturally perhaps we are creatures of habit.
ReplyDeleteGreat post! Facebook and youtube are both blocked in china, have been for a while. I suppose these sites do give people the power to communicate and shutting them down sort of cuts them off, or at least makes it harder. I guess that makes the higher power smart, and leaves people sort of in the dust.
ReplyDeleteThe main asset of these new social media sites is that people can contact people in distant areas in real time. Also mass awareness can be achieved by sending a notice to thousands of people with one click of a button. Without these facilities the protestors were unable to form groups at the speed they could formerly. It was a smart move from the government albeit a desperate one.
ReplyDeleteif your interested in the idea of censorship you should check this article out http://www.smh.com.au/technology/technology-news/london-riots-block-on-social-networking-considered-20110812-1ipim.html
ReplyDeleteIt questions the link between the london riots and the use of social networking media questioning whether British PM should block or filter social networking mediums
Revolutions and riots check out this article and the links between Facebook the London Riots, censorship and free speech http://www.smh.com.au/technology/technology-news/london-riot-social-media-blocks-totalitarian-20110812-1iq0o.html
ReplyDeleteDigital campaigning is also a common tool used by Politicians within Australia, especially twitter.
ReplyDeleteI follow politics pretty closely within Australia and the world and I think it's interesting how you have picked up on the fight for political power and the fight for political freedom.
I believe that social media is a platform where anyone can express their own view regardless of the sensitivity.