The Egyptian Revolution typifies the attempts at a peaceful revolution led through access to social media. Hosni Mubarak, the long time dictator of Egypt, stepped down under pressure from revolutionaries, who used social media websites to spread awareness about their cause. Egyptian citizens used social media websites, such as Facebook, to promote awareness about the movement, and to track the movements of opposing forces. For example, the 6 April Youth Movement to urge participants to wear black while the strike continues, and to alert others of possible police activity, which would hinder any demonstrations.
Beyond providing a way to coordinate movement, the internet fostered an open discussion about government concerns, including free speech, and economic plights. Growing membership provided a much greater foundation for the movement than would be achievable by using word of mouth information spreading techniques. In this manner, a full blown revolution sparked from the thoughts and actions of a handful of people. The internet has proven itself a valuable platform in terms of information spread and awareness, but also creates a risk for those choosing to use it.
Police beat to death an Egyptian business man, Khaled Saeed, after he posted a video exposing police corruption. The video detailed Egyptian officers sharing in the profit from a drug bust. In this case, Saeed's video could be traced back directly to him, endangering him, and eventually proving fatal. Cases like this demonstrate the danger inherent in revolutions against oppressive governments. The question remains, however, whether internet presence helps or harms the identities of those involved.
Beyond providing a way to coordinate movement, the internet fostered an open discussion about government concerns, including free speech, and economic plights. Growing membership provided a much greater foundation for the movement than would be achievable by using word of mouth information spreading techniques. In this manner, a full blown revolution sparked from the thoughts and actions of a handful of people. The internet has proven itself a valuable platform in terms of information spread and awareness, but also creates a risk for those choosing to use it.
Police beat to death an Egyptian business man, Khaled Saeed, after he posted a video exposing police corruption. The video detailed Egyptian officers sharing in the profit from a drug bust. In this case, Saeed's video could be traced back directly to him, endangering him, and eventually proving fatal. Cases like this demonstrate the danger inherent in revolutions against oppressive governments. The question remains, however, whether internet presence helps or harms the identities of those involved.