The Impact of Social Media on the Egyptian Revolution 2011 Dissertation

The Impact of Social Media on the Egyptian Revolution 2011 - Dissertation Example However, scholars and researchers differ on their opinion on the role of social media. Some have used terms such as Facebook revolution while others undermine the importance of social media platforms and tools. With the aim to evaluate the role of the social media during the Egyptian Revolution, three objectives were set in Chapter I. all the three objectives have been achieved. The social media plays a very active role in political movements as it provides people a platform to address their concerns, express their opinions, provides an avenue to extend and receive support. The government of any country usually controls and monitors the traditional media but when the same strategy is applied to the public sphere such as social networking sites and blogosphere, people resist and revolt to the extent it can be counter-productive for the governments. When the President in Egypt imposed web censorship people took to streets. Social media during the Egyptian revolution 2011, helped to ext end solidarity and confidence to the oppressed. Citizen journalists emerged registering their protest against the regime. The impact of social media was so intense during this revolution that the president had to finally resign in 18 days from the day the protest started. Social media enables activists and coordinators to start specific pages in the interest of the people. The use of social media in politics is still in the nascent stage but it is extensively being used by the citizens, professional journalists, by the politicians and by coordinators of protests and social movements. In fact, even the mainstream media has been using quotes from the social media in their articles. While the degree may not be very intense, at least it suggests the importance that the social media has been gaining. The study concludes that social media has played a very significant role in the Egyptian revolution 2011. It not only initiated the movement, it helped people at all stages, it helped in eff ective communication and collaboration, it enabled an international audience to receive information, and it also enabled protection to people in danger. As suggested by some authors, the role of social media in the Egyptian revolution is not hyped; it has been of tremendous value in shaping reforms. It is a valuable tool in developing anti-government protests and in designing collective action. It is a disruptive force that can drastically bring about change and reform. It can accelerate social and political movements far beyond what the traditional media can do. The study concluded by highlighting limitations and making recommendations for further research on the subject. Table of Contents Chapter I Introduction 1.1 Background 1 1.2 Social Media & Politics 1 1.3 Rationale for Research 3 1.4 Research Aims & Objectives 4 1.5 Scope of the Study 5 1.6 Structure of the Study 5 Chapter II Literature Review 2.1 Introduction 7 2.2. Definition of Social Media 7 2.3 Social Networking Platfor ms 7 2.4 Benefits of Social Media 10 2.5 Social Media and Politics 11 2.6 Arab Countries & Egypt 12 2.7 Social Media in Egypt 12 2.8 Web Censorship in Arab countries 14 2.9 Chapter Summary 16 Chapter III Research Context 3.1 Introduction 17 3.2 Arab Spring 17 3.3 Egyptian Revolution 19 3.4 Summary 21 Chapter IV Research Methods 4.1 Introduction 23 4.2 Research Methodology 23 4.3 Choice of Method 23 4.4 Data Collection Methods 25 4.5 Secondary Research 26 4.6 Data Analysis 27 4.7 Summary