One of the largest criticisms against Twitter (and Facebook statuses too) is that it is mostly random and pointless ramble from its users. And yes, that’s true; some people just post the first thing that comes to their mind. However, through proper searches and the use of hashtags, these sites can be very helpful in the sharing and receiving of news.
Maxwell Gladwell, writer for The New Yorker, and author of “Why the revolution will not be tweeted,” has great insight into the role of social media with social changes. These mediums do not have the power to start the next revolution, however they have the power to organize and inform its participants. For instance, the use of hashtages can make it easier for people to organize for protests because everyone will search for the same tag.
Although social media does not have the power to start the next social revolution, it can help bring them together and can fuel a social movement. This is because social media gives us the ability to find and connect with others who have our same views and interests around the world. Which makes me wonder, as the internet and social media evolve, will its role in social movements increase or decrease? Is it possible that one day a revolution will be started by social media?
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