Introduction
The significant developments in technology, especially the use of social media has simplified the way like-minded individuals air their grievances and articulate positions on issues of interest. In this modern society, social media is like a traditional community, where aggravated individuals converge in a common place to plan for protests. It is clear that the social media platform has had a significant effect on societies. The current technology has provided an opportunity for the weak and neglected members of the community to have their voices heard. The power of social media platforms is an effective tool in activism and revolutions. It is best illustrated by using the Arab spring and the rape case that occurred in India. News about the Indian rape case was quickly spread, leading to mass protests all over the world. The Arab spring also influenced the toppling of various regimes within the Arab region, starting with Tunisia and Egypt (Kassim par. 3-4).
The effect of social media in the world
Social media sites are not only meant to enable revolutions. They also provide activist organizations with the opportunity to prepare their operations. Through these forms of communication, the organizers are able to minimize their expenditure on certain functions such as recruitment and training among others. However, the inherent strengths and weaknesses associated with social media platforms are based on how political leaders use it. For instance, the Iranian revolution that took place in 2009 was particularly instigated through the Western media. This was accomplished through YouTube and Twitter. The Moldavian revolution that occurred during the same year was also instigated through Twitter. For the success of any revolution, it needs a considerable level of organization, financial support, and mass appeal. Through social media platforms, these requirements can be achieved. At the same time the costs at manageable levels can be maintained.
Social media in activism and revolutions
Activism refers to the radical protests and demonstrations that are pursued, in order to implement, or attain certain goals. However, the social media platforms form the pivot from which activism revolves. Its effects are primarily evident among the youth. Most NGOs and other activist groups act as a foundation for revolutionists. A good example that confirms this is the protest that broke out in Seattle at a summit conference. Many more cases have been witnessed across the globe, especially during the WTO, IMF, WB, and G8/20 summits. This trend has been on the increase during the last decade. They were widely acknowledged due to their massive inclusion and broad networks that enabled the activists to sustain a sequence of mass demonstrations (Higuchi 467). Whenever activists are planning for mass social demonstrations, they are increasingly focusing on the impact that social networks have on individuals. Researchers have shown that revolutionary movements and activism is strengthened and made accessible to a wide population through their network-based organizational approaches. Such links transcend national boundaries due to the enabling characteristics of the internet (“Global Activist Networks” par.1).
Conclusion
The current challenges such as food security, inflation, and widespread corruption have forced individuals to rally and demonstrate with vigor and zest. The internet has made social media platforms popular. These tools are used to voice grievances and organize mass protests. With their ability to transcend national boundaries, the social media platforms are appropriate in spreading information.
Works Cited
“Global Activist Networks”. n. d. Web.
Higuchi, Takuro. “Global Activist Network involving Asia: global continuation and evolution in Japan.” Inter-Asia Cultural Studies 13.3 (2012): 467-475. Print.
Kassim, Saleem. “Twitter Revolution: How the Arab Spring Was Helped By Social Media” 2012. Web.