Blogging and social media have become powerful tools that have changed many social norms, especially in politics. Disruptive technologies like these challenge and change existing norms and practices, leading to significant shifts in society.
Social media has shaken up traditional media by making it easier for anyone to share information. In the past, news mainly came from established outlets controlled by governments or big companies. Now, platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and blogs let individuals create and share content quickly, bypassing these traditional gatekeepers. This has empowered citizens, especially young people, to participate in political discussions and activism more than ever.
Social media has created new ways for people to engage politically, challenging existing power structures. In sub-Saharan Africa, where traditional political systems often limit citizen involvement, social media has become a tool for engagement and advocacy. In the book Examining the Roles of IT and Social Media in Democratic Development and Social Change, Osee Kamga highlights that many African governments see social media as a threat because it can encourage political activism and demands for transparency. Quick sharing of messages, documents, photos, and videos on these platforms has given citizens the power to hold their governments accountable. For example, during the 2018 presidential campaign in Cameroon, a viral video that misrepresented government actions sparked public outrage and further mobilized people against the regime. This shows how social media can disrupt the established political order by allowing citizens to challenge the narratives set by those in power.
More recently, social media has been key in promoting the Black Lives Matter movement. People have shared videos, organized protests, and called for police reform and racial justice on platforms like Twitter and Instagram. Also, the #MeToo movement used social media to shine a light on sexual harassment and assault. Many people shared their experiences online, starting conversations about deeper issues and leading to calls for changes in laws and accountability for offenders. There are countless examples but this shows how social media can allow individuals to challenge the narratives set by those in power.
However, the disruptive nature of social media also comes with challenges. The book notes that while social media has encouraged political involvement and economic growth, it has also led to the spread of fake news, which can distort how people perceive issues. This dual nature of social media presents a dilemma: while it can empower citizens, it can also be misused to spread misinformation. The situation with the viral video in Cameroon highlights the risks of misinformation, as public anger was directed at the government based on false information.
In 2016, a conspiracy theory emerged suggesting that a Washington, D.C., pizzeria was the center of a child trafficking ring involving high-profile politicians. This rumor spread like wildfire on platforms like Twitter and Reddit, leading to real-world consequences, including a man entering the pizzeria with a firearm to "investigate" the claims. even though there was never any actual evidence pointing to this being true. Pizzagate shows how quickly false information can spread. It highlights how some people can easily believe and share conspiracy theories with no hesitation. This emphasizes the need for careful engagement with social media, as its potential for positive change can be undermined by the spread of false narratives.
The transformative power of social media is also seen in how it creates new opportunities for political participation. Social media platforms have promoted a culture of active citizenship, allowing individuals to engage with political issues in real-time. Using social media increases chances for political involvement and opens new doors for discussion and debate. This is especially important in areas where traditional political participation methods are often inaccessible or ineffective. Making social media acts as a means for change, giving a voice to those who were previously marginalized in political discussions.
Blogging and social media have become disruptive technologies that challenge and change existing political norms and practices. They have empowered citizens to engage in political discussions, come together for change, and demand accountability from their governments. However, the challenges of misinformation and the manipulation of these platforms show the complexity of their impact. As society continues to navigate the digital landscape, understanding the disruptive potential of social media will be crucial for creating genuine political engagement and social change.
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