The advent of social media has provided humanity with an outlet for bathroom mirror selfies, cyberbullying, and ignorant tweets, but it's not all bad. The internet also provides a space for political rallying, and action. Those who never had a chance to speak can now be heard across the world. Cyberactivism creates an arena in which movements, which would otherwise be relegated to their originating locations, can reach across the globe to join forces with others, and raise awareness about the cause.
A prime example of the reach of social media presents itself in the Arab Spring. Activists from Egypt, Yemen, Syria, and others. The use of social media allowed the activists to reach a wider audience, and gain sympathy, and resources to aid them in their fight. These movements, however, also put its participants in some amount of danger. Government forces did not support the movement, and strove to shut down the movements, many times with brute force.
This website seeks to explore the issues of identity, both of individuals and groups, through the Arab Spring. Focusing on Egypt, Tunisia, Syria, Libya, and Yemen, I will seek to come to a conclusion about the role social media plays in protecting or harming the identities of the individuals choosing to actively participate in these revolutions.
A prime example of the reach of social media presents itself in the Arab Spring. Activists from Egypt, Yemen, Syria, and others. The use of social media allowed the activists to reach a wider audience, and gain sympathy, and resources to aid them in their fight. These movements, however, also put its participants in some amount of danger. Government forces did not support the movement, and strove to shut down the movements, many times with brute force.
This website seeks to explore the issues of identity, both of individuals and groups, through the Arab Spring. Focusing on Egypt, Tunisia, Syria, Libya, and Yemen, I will seek to come to a conclusion about the role social media plays in protecting or harming the identities of the individuals choosing to actively participate in these revolutions.