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First Facebook and then a number of other sites were being blocked by Iran. It isn’t exactly an atypical action by a regime who has done so before on a number of instances. This time something was different though. Twitter became the unlikely hero of a large group of individuals who were calling for a vote recount and regardless of the outcome were furthering a movement. What’s becoming increasingly clear is the widespread impact that social technology is having on the world.
For the first time it feels as though we are part of something greater and that the people finally do have control. It’s an empowering feeling and as social technologists continue to iterate on their platforms, democracy is becoming a fact of life for regimes which previously ruled with an iron fist. Even within this country we are witnessing a transparency movement and we can thank the internet with the help of social technology for making this possible.
Today the news surrounding Iran continues and as numerous Twitter users attempt using a potentially flawed model for confusing Iranian censors, it’s exciting to watch this historic moment which is be fueled in part by social technology. This is still only the beginning but what’s taking place right now can be described as nothing short of revolutionary (it may literally become a revolution if things get worse in Iran).
One thing that’s also becoming clear is that networks need to be decentralized if the people are going to have full control. If Twitter goes down, it could literally stop what may evolve into a revolution. According to CNN the State Department is now advising Twitter to avoid any downtime which was originally scheduled for yesterday evening. CNN states that “sites like Twitter and Facebook, are providing the United States with critical information in the face of a crackdown on journalists by Iranian authorities.”
While we are still watching the situation in Iran play out it’s clear that this is the just one phase in a much greater movement that is being driven by social technology. We’ll continue to learn and continue to iterate until eventually the people truly do have the power. Facebook and other platforms are all playing a role.
Now Playing: “Freedom” by Rage Against the Machine
Facebook AND Twitter? Playing a roll? E/mail and hayrakes.
Great post. I also feel that when we look back from the future at a situation like this, we’ll see that the social networks of the web were the tipping point for organized protest in a tough situation.
I agree with you here, that this is part of a greater movement.
I don’t know if it’s fair for you to take all the credit yourself, though:
“it’s clear that this is the just one phase in a much greater movement that is being driven my social technology”
I a proud to be a part of something that is helping the Iranian people to shake loose the shackels of repression that the old Iranian rulers have put on their people.
The young Iranian people need to stand up for their rights
Bob Marley said it the way it is…
Interesting events for sure. I wonder how this would have changed the mess that happened in Chicago during the late 1960s when the political people and the police met the protestors at Grant Park?
All of this instant news can sure give a twisted picture and make boiling out the truth of what is happening very hard. Is it the vocal people’s story? If you want evil to flurish all you have to do is be quiet.
It seems with Twitter, even shy people can have a chance to stand up and make a difference.
Let us hope this does not turn out like the China event at the square where the vocal people were killed.