SOCIAL media currently plays a significant role in shaping narratives that can impact electoral outcomes or facilitate the removal of an elected government.
It is essential for governments to comprehend the influence of social media as a medium of public perception in order to develop effective strategies that serve the interests of their citizens and the nation as a whole.
This analysis will explore the role of social media in determining political outcomes by examining events that occurred in Egypt, Bangladesh, and the United Kingdom.
Egypt
Social media significantly influenced the Egyptian unrest, especially during the 2011 revolution that resulted in the removal of President Hosni Mubarak.
Platforms such as Facebook and Twitter were essential for organising and mobilising demonstrators.
The initial announcement for the protest on January 25, which initiated the revolution, was predominantly disseminated through social media channels. These platforms enabled activists to coordinate their efforts and assemble large groups rapidly.
Social media served as a vital tool for sharing information regarding the protests, including details about locations, timings, and strategies.
This instantaneous communication allowed protesters to remain informed and adjust to evolving circumstances on the ground.
Furthermore, social media fostered a sense of unity among demonstrators. By sharing their experiences and providing mutual encouragement online, individuals felt connected to a broader movement, which enhanced morale and increased participation.
In a context where state-controlled media frequently limited information, social media emerged as an alternative source for news and updates.
This was instrumental in challenging government narratives and ensuring that the global community was aware of the developments in Egypt.
The extensive use of social media attracted international attention to the Egyptian protests. Hashtags such as #Jan25 and #Egypt gained global traction, garnering support and solidarity from individuals worldwide.
While social media proved to be a potent instrument for mobilisation, it also presented certain risks. The government made attempts to disrupt communication among protesters by shutting down the internet and mobile networks. Additionally, the rapid spread of misinformation and rumors occasionally led to confusion and panic.
The Egyptian revolution is frequently referenced as a notable instance of how social media can be utilised to effect political change.
Other incidents
Social media has played a crucial role in various political movements across the globe. In the context of the pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong, social media facilitated the coordination of actions and the dissemination of information regarding police activities.
This capability was vital in maintaining the momentum of the movement over several months and ensuring that international attention remained on the protests.
Similarly, the Black Lives Matter movement experienced substantial growth through social media platforms, particularly following the murder of George Floyd in 2020.
The use of hashtags such as #BlackLivesMatter, along with viral footage depicting protests and instances of police violence, significantly contributed to raising awareness and mobilising supporters on a global scale.
In Turkey, social media was instrumental during the Gezi Park protests, where citizens opposed urban development initiatives affecting Istanbul’s Gezi Park.
Platforms like Twitter and Facebook served as essential tools for organising demonstrations and sharing information, particularly in light of the limited coverage provided by traditional media outlets.
The #MeToo movement, which emerged as a platform for survivors of sexual harassment and assault to share their experiences, rapidly gained international recognition through social media.
The hashtag #MeToo was utilised millions of times, resulting in heightened awareness and prompting significant cultural and legal transformations.
These instances exemplify the capacity of social media to function as a formidable instrument for political activism, facilitating swift organisation, the spread of information, and the enhancement of global awareness.
Southport riots
The Southport riots, which ignited in the wake of the tragic stabbing of three young girls, underscore the profound impact that social media can exert during such crises. Several critical observations can be made:
Social media channels became inundated with erroneous information regarding the assailant’s identity. Misleading assertions that the perpetrator was a Muslim asylum seeker rapidly gained traction, inciting outrage and violence among the public.
The swift dissemination of falsehoods facilitated the mobilisation of various groups, including members of the far-right English Defence League, who engaged in violent confrontations with law enforcement and targeted a local mosque.
In the aftermath of the riots, there has been considerable discourse surrounding the responsibilities of social media companies in curbing the proliferation of misinformation. Some lawmakers have advocated for more stringent regulations on these platforms to avert similar occurrences in the future.
Law enforcement has initiated actions against individuals disseminating false information. For instance, a woman was apprehended for sharing inaccurate details about the suspect, which exacerbated the unrest.
The Southport riots exemplify a broader trend in which social media can both escalate and alleviate tensions. While it serves as a mechanism for organising and disseminating vital information, it also possesses the capacity to rapidly propagate damaging misinformation.
These incidents highlight the intricate and influential role that social media occupies in contemporary society, particularly in times of crisis.
Bangladesh riots
Social media has emerged as a crucial factor in various instances of civil unrest in Bangladesh, particularly in recent years. These platforms have facilitated the rapid organisation of protests and the mobilisation of individuals.
A notable example is the recent anti-government demonstrations that culminated in the removal of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, where social media played a vital role in coordinating activities and disseminating information.
The spread of misinformation on social media has frequently intensified existing tensions. For instance, unfounded rumors regarding assaults on religious sites have triggered violent incidents.
A specific example includes false claims about the desecration of the Quran, which incited widespread violence against the Hindu community.
Moreover, social media has served as a venue for individuals to express their grievances and share personal experiences, thereby amplifying public discontent.
This was particularly evident during the quota reform protests, where students and various groups utilised social media to articulate their demands and critique the government’s responses.
Additionally, social media has been instrumental in garnering international attention towards the issues facing Bangladesh. Videos and images depicting protests and governmental crackdowns have circulated widely, eliciting global concern and support.
In response to civil unrest, the Bangladeshi government has occasionally imposed restrictions on internet access and social media platforms to limit the dissemination of information and hinder further mobilisation.
These observations highlight the considerable impact that social media has in both promoting and exacerbating civil unrest.
Consequently, it is essential for the government to implement appropriate strategies that involve comprehensive regulations on social media, ensuring that the fundamental rights of ordinary citizens are not compromised, in order to uphold the peace and security of the nation. – Oct 11, 2024
R. Paneir Selvam is the principal consultant of Arunachala Research & Consultancy Sdn Bhd (ARRESCON), a think tank specialising on strategic national and geo-political matters.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
Main image: Unknown, via Egyptian Streets
