In the modern world, technology is evolving at an exponential rate, in terms of both capability and accessibility. So it’s no surprise that there are now several forms of media that allow instantaneous communication between people around the world. Of these, there’s no question that email and telephones have been successful in making the world a better, more connected place. But that certainty never seems inherent when the discussion turns toward social media. This doubtfulness may arise from honest observations, but it is misguided. Social media has absolutely had a positive impact on our world.
During last year’s Arab Spring, social media websites such as Facebook and Twitter served as powerful forces that helped opposition movements in several countries increase and retain momentum. Before this century, nothing like social media had ever existed: nowhere could people communicate in immense numbers without leaving their homes, nowhere could oppressed citizens speak freely without fear of censorship, and certainly nowhere could those citizens organize, galvanize, and spread their messages across borders and oceans alike without any government interference. The events of the Arab Spring could not be described as a smooth transition toward democracy, but they have nonetheless been a huge leap forward for freedom around the globe, and that is largely thanks to the influence of social media.
Similarly, activism groups have used websites such as Facebook to spread their messages and reach out to potential donors. Websites like Kickstarter have funded countless innovative creative endeavors. Ben Rattray’s Change.org has been a catalyst for awe-inspiring social and political reform for years. Though its influence is difficult to quantify, social media has undeniably had a profound impact on the world we now live in.
It is important to note though, that social media is not responsible for all this change; it is only a contributor, an amplifier of human energy. The Arab Spring was ultimately fueled from the ground up by human commitment and passion, and strengthened by Facebook and Twitter. Change.org only helps tofacilitate the reform driven by unrelenting human activism. And millions of “likes” and “shares” alone didn’t do much of anything to stop Joseph Kony.
A huge gripe about social media within the U.S. is that teenagers are obnoxious. This is true. Many teens make poor use of social media, posting pictures at parties, etc., and try as I might, I can’t think of any real use for Instagram. But these splurges of teenage ego-gorging are eclipsed by the earth-shaking change spurred on by social media, and in that light, the good far outweighs the bad.
