The Dark Shadow Shrine

embrace the darkness; that you may see the light nestled within it......

Thursday, February 21, 2013

Social Media's role in political reforms

A good article that shows the impact of social media on us politically. Walk away with the point that perhaps, social media (i.e. technology) should also be used for speeding up social/political reforms other than just for financial benefit.
Article 2 echoes similar concerns. Note the two examples that trigger off the revolution that overthrew the dictatorial regime in both Tunisia and Egypt. The Tunisian eg is also mentioned in article 1, but the date of the incident is inaccurate; should read as Dec 17 2010. This latter is the one that sparked off the Arab Spring. The Egyptian one is a follow-up. For article 2, note the possible rebuttal to the oft-quoted point that social media is responsible for the revolt and attendant social/political instability.
Note also:
-the issue of govt control and need for censorship
-the authenticity and reliability of the media (see first 2 paras of article2)
-relate the youtube eg in both articles to the self-immolation of Tibetans in seeking attention from international media to apply pressure on the Beijing Govt to grant independence to Tibet

Sample Qn: How far is it acceptable for technology to be used only for financial benefit? (Cambridge 2012)
article 1

article 2