What are your thoughts about the use of social networking and media to allow people a voice for social change, and as a platform for social change?
The contribution social media and networking has made in bringing about a social change around the world is tremendous.
The reading on how El Bronco used Facebook page and Twitter to campaign independently by creating an engagement and interaction with the citizens and be elected as a governor really proves of how powerful social media and networking is. It also shows how underpriced it is to use social media to campaign.
The Arab spring is a great example of using social media to mobilize the youth. The use of social media might depend on the access to internet, or some government might shutdown access to internet, but still the influence is boundless. I could say it is that powerful enough to change leadership in a country.
What are the ways in which people are using social networking and media for social change?
Humans are social animals, Aristotle. In modern societies, individualism was prevailing, but I feel like an increase in engagement of society with social media is decreasing the trend and enabling people to interact and make connections regardless of their identity and geographical location, reserving the true nature of human beings.
Social media especially YouTube has made many people to develop skills. Some technical experts in order to get views make quality educational videos, which in return help users to benefit from the lesson on the video. YouTube has also made many self-made millionaires changing the life of money.
Some people do great things for society and post it in social media, which becomes an example and attracts many to do the same.
In what ways is social networking and media supporting civic engagement and activism?
At this time around the world any question from politics, gender inequality to medical problem is addressed on the internet with the help of social media. People use Facebook, Twitter, Forums, Google plus. Some activists post their issue or political views or do live communication with their followers and opponents. Professionals share ideas on Pinterest, people also ask questions on twitter threads.The use of social media is unlimited.