Social Media in the Egyptian Revolution
We've all seen examples of when activism via social media, despite its best intentions, can go awry. There are enough Upworthy, BuzzFeed, and Faith It videos and articles to serve as evidence. However, on the bright side, there are also cases in which social media plays a vital and effective role in facilitating activism.
For instance, take the Egyptian Revolution of 2011. The way that social media was utilized by activists during the Egyptian revolution contrasts starkly with the instances mentioned above.
First of all, the users of social media were the individuals who instigated the revolution and partook in it. This is noteworthy because we usually see social media used by others to advocate for those who are being affected by a particular injustice. In most cases, these "advocates" are privileged individuals in developed countries who have the resources and ability to use social media to raise awareness. Even if we remove social media from the equation, activism is a practice which is generally associated with individuals who are removed from the issue for which they are advocating. For example, in the case of the Occupy Wall Street movement, the majority of protesters were white, educated, and middle class; in other words, not at all representative of the 99%. Unfortunately in most cases, activism is a practice that requires a certain level of privilege to partake in. Those who have to work multiple jobs to support their families or can't afford childcare so that they can leave their homes, most likely will not be protesting on the front lines. Those who do not have access to computers or do not have a sufficient level of literacy will most likely not be up-to-date with current events. Clearly, there are various obstacles that we need to overcome before every individual can engage in activism. However, the Egyptian revolution is an example of the potential that can be harnessed when all are empowered to be activists.
Furthermore, "Written messages and images circulating on Facebook, Twitter, and blogs appeared to strengthen the collective identity of Egyptians worldwide, who may have already supported the fight against a dictatorial regime." This strengthening of identity is another phenomenon that makes the use of social media in the Egyptian revolution unique. When we promote a certain cause or raise awareness about an issue, it becomes easy (and almost second nature) to label those affected as the "other." We consider them distinct from ourselves, and fail to consider how all of our lives are intertwined under the umbrella of the human condition. This can lead to the development of the "savior complex," in which the advocates consider themselves to be superheros of a higher status swooping in to rescue the needy. However, in this case, the use of social media did not separate populations, but rather brought them together and prompted individuals to consider their connections to each other on a global scale. As Gangulu activist Lilla Watson said, "If you have come here to help me, you are wasting our time. But if you have come because your liberation is bound up with mine, then let us work together."
Another remarkable aspect of the Egyptian revolution was that social media was used to exchanged "information, ideas, and words of encouragement" between activists from both Egypt and Tunisia. Collaboration is another worthy goal towards which activists should work. Rarely do we see an exchange of ideas or show of support between different activist groups, which is a shame. All social justice issues are inter-woven in some manner, and it is impossible to address an issue in isolation from its context. No matter the focus of any activist group, they are all ultimately working towards the same vision of a more just world.
For instance, take the Egyptian Revolution of 2011. The way that social media was utilized by activists during the Egyptian revolution contrasts starkly with the instances mentioned above.
First of all, the users of social media were the individuals who instigated the revolution and partook in it. This is noteworthy because we usually see social media used by others to advocate for those who are being affected by a particular injustice. In most cases, these "advocates" are privileged individuals in developed countries who have the resources and ability to use social media to raise awareness. Even if we remove social media from the equation, activism is a practice which is generally associated with individuals who are removed from the issue for which they are advocating. For example, in the case of the Occupy Wall Street movement, the majority of protesters were white, educated, and middle class; in other words, not at all representative of the 99%. Unfortunately in most cases, activism is a practice that requires a certain level of privilege to partake in. Those who have to work multiple jobs to support their families or can't afford childcare so that they can leave their homes, most likely will not be protesting on the front lines. Those who do not have access to computers or do not have a sufficient level of literacy will most likely not be up-to-date with current events. Clearly, there are various obstacles that we need to overcome before every individual can engage in activism. However, the Egyptian revolution is an example of the potential that can be harnessed when all are empowered to be activists.
Furthermore, "Written messages and images circulating on Facebook, Twitter, and blogs appeared to strengthen the collective identity of Egyptians worldwide, who may have already supported the fight against a dictatorial regime." This strengthening of identity is another phenomenon that makes the use of social media in the Egyptian revolution unique. When we promote a certain cause or raise awareness about an issue, it becomes easy (and almost second nature) to label those affected as the "other." We consider them distinct from ourselves, and fail to consider how all of our lives are intertwined under the umbrella of the human condition. This can lead to the development of the "savior complex," in which the advocates consider themselves to be superheros of a higher status swooping in to rescue the needy. However, in this case, the use of social media did not separate populations, but rather brought them together and prompted individuals to consider their connections to each other on a global scale. As Gangulu activist Lilla Watson said, "If you have come here to help me, you are wasting our time. But if you have come because your liberation is bound up with mine, then let us work together."
Another remarkable aspect of the Egyptian revolution was that social media was used to exchanged "information, ideas, and words of encouragement" between activists from both Egypt and Tunisia. Collaboration is another worthy goal towards which activists should work. Rarely do we see an exchange of ideas or show of support between different activist groups, which is a shame. All social justice issues are inter-woven in some manner, and it is impossible to address an issue in isolation from its context. No matter the focus of any activist group, they are all ultimately working towards the same vision of a more just world.