Internet Activism/ Egyptian Uprisings
How can social media act as a tool for mobilization without being the root cause of discontent?
Social media helped movements grow, but real-world protests, existing grievances, political conditions, and ordinary citizens were essential
How did Facebook help create a shared political identity among Libyans?
It allowed people to share common goals, build solidarity, and demand democratic change
What two platforms were studied as ways Iraqis shared protest information
Facebook and Youtube
What is the term for online harassment where anonymous users post aggressive or insulting comments to intimidate activists?
Trolling
What was the name of the Facebook campaign discussed as important to Egypt's protests?
We Are All Khaled Said
Who was the authoritarian leader of Libya during the 2011 uprising?
Muammar Gaddafi
What was the name of the major Iraqi protest event on February 25, 2011?
The Day of Rage
What major physical landmark known as Bahrain's "freedom square" was demolished by the government to stop physical protests?
The Pearl Roundabout
Which Egyptian president resigned on February 11, 2011?
Hosni Mubarak
What difference did the researchers find between online interest and political action?
Interest in online political communication does not necessarily lead to voting
What role did the Iraqi diaspora play in the online movement?
The study showed that a significant portion of digital activity by displaced people living in Western countries accounts for a large share of YouTube postings. Social media allows diaspora populations to eliminate physical distance.
What is the difference between "surveillance" and "sousveillance"?
Surveillance is when a powerful group watches from above as a means of control. Sousveillance is when ordinary citizens use cameras or smartphones to document and expose the wrongdoings of those in control.
In what ways did "citizen journalism" defeat the state media narrative during the uprising?
"Citizen journalism" undermined the state media narrative by breaking the monopoly on information, humanizing the struggle, and fact-checking state media outlets
Name one political goal shared by Libyan Facebook users.
Freedom of speech, free elections, human rights, or political equality
How did the goals of protests in Iraq differ from those in Egypt and Tunisia?
Unlike Tunisia and Egypt, whose goals were overthrowing autocratic regimes, the protests in Iraq sought political reforms and anti-corruption measures to their already existing electoral democracy
How can the feeling of being watched online change how people act, even if the government isn't watching every single post?
The fear of being caught causes people to monitor themselves. This leads people to stop tweeting, delete accounts, or avoid joining protests without the government having to physically stop them.
How did the Egyptian government's decision to shut down the internet affect the movement's momentum
The movement had already gained momentum, protesters used offline communication, and the shutdown could increase public anger and encourage street participation
How were images used on Facebook to construct an inclusive national identity?
Images helped to show the shift towards democracy through elders and women displaying voter registration cards, as well as photos of cities titled "Ingredients of Libya," which highlighted diversity and togetherness
According to the author's analysis of YouTube clips and comments, what were the demographic patterns regarding age and gender in these online spaces?
The main demographic online was mostly young adult males, who made up 73.2% of videos and 75% of comments. Because home internet connections were unreliable, many relied on internet cafes, which were mostly male-dominated.
According to the author, why is it incorrect to say that social media is only good or only bad for freedom?
Social media is a neutral tool whose impact depends on the individual using it. While activists use platforms to fight injustice, governments can use those same platforms to track protestors and spread fake news.