Social media has brought about changes on a worldwide level. Not only has it shaped the landscape of social interaction, but has also provided a forum for epic international change. Here are a few revolutions fueled by social media outlets.
Ukraine
The fight between Ukrainian nationalists and Russian separatists is a stellar example of the power of social media. A viral video showing an injured Ukrainian girl led to public outcry against the pro-Russian president. Protests occurred in the streets of major cities, including Donetsk, ground zero for current clashes.
Egypt
The Egyptian revolution, perhaps the first to use social media to further the cause against a corrupt regime, was a direct result of Facebook pictures of a man beaten to death by police. One revolutionary decided to create a Facebook group about the man to stir up change. The phrase that came out of it is still used today: “We Are All Khaled Said.”
Ferguson, Missouri
The videos and pictures posted on social media depicting the death of Michael Brown made him a revolutionary icon. Protests against police brutality and clashes with police occurred throughout the United States, and the government took notice.
France
In France, the attack on Charlie Hebdo sent people into a frenzy after viewing the graphic videos of gunmen killing innocent police and journalists. The video, posted online, unified the nation against unjust killings and promoted free speech.
Libya
Social media played an integral part in spurring a revolution against longtime ruler Moammar Gaddafi. It provided a means for people inside and outside the country to see the brutal crackdown against all of those opposed to his military rule. The country has started fresh since Gaddafi’s death in 2011.
The social media revolution continues throughout the world, and people are uniting on a scale never thought possible.
Here is an info-graphic showing how social websites are changing the face protects.
Image source: credits to creative team from USC Degree in Public Administration department.