Social Media on Politics This paper will discuss the effects of social media on politics. Can social media topple governments and shape the political landscape in a sovereign state? Or is social media a tool in which the public can coordinate and share free flowing information? Should governments introduce laws to inhibit social media usage by the people? Facebook, twitter and other social media platforms have been accused by governments and politicians alike as tools of political destruction to existing regimes. Many regimes have been removed by the demand of the peoples especially in the Middle East lately in what has come to be known as the Arab spring or uprising. It is difficult to assess the contribution of social media on regime change …show more content…
It can be used as an effective communication and information sharing tool. It has many applications, from commercial to political and depends on the context. It has the capacity to help the people change the political environment in a given state, but this depends heavily on the political setting and other political factors such as the economy and social well-being of the people. Social media gives the people the ability to coordinate and mobilize in response to political changes. Governments and statesmen should allow through laws and legislation what is known as internet freedom, and give the capacity for people to use the internet and social media platforms freely. On the other hand, governments can utilize social media as a means to communicate with the younger generation and encourage them to be part of the democratic elections. Lynch, Marc. "After Egypt: The Limits and Promise of Online Challenges to the Authoritarian Arab State." Perspectives on Politics 9.02 (2011): 301-10. Print.
Shirky, Clay. "The Political Power of Social Media: Technology, the Public Sphere, and Political Change." Foreign Affairs 90.1 (2011): 28-41. Print.
Suárez, Sandra. "Social Media and Regime Change in Egypt." Campaigns and Elections (2011): n. pag.