Do you think that social media has brought significant changes in the forms of protest? Argue your case.
Section: B.
Sociology Paper 2023 Analysis.
Relevant for Paper-1 : Unit 7 Politics and society: protest
Question- 7 (B):Do you think that social media has brought significant changes in the forms of protest? Argue your case. (20 Marks)
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Introduction: Explain social media activism redefining protest dynamics like online protest, social media activism Main Body: Explain changes by exploring both functional and non-functional dimensions Conclusion: Highlighting significance of social media despite criticism. |
Introduction
Social media has undeniably brought significant changes in the forms of protest. The use of social media as a tool for activism and protest has become increasingly prevalent, with platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram being used to mobilize, organize, and raise awareness for various causes. This form of online protest, often referred to as social media activism or hashtag activism, involves the use of hashtags, posts, and campaigns to promote awareness of social justice issues and show solidarity.
Main Body
Social media has brought significant changes in the forms of protest. It has presented both functional and dysfunctional changes explained below:
Functional Changes:
- Mass Mobilization: Social media platforms have revolutionized the way people mobilize for protests. The ease of communication and information dissemination allows for the rapid mobilization of large groups of people across geographical locations . This is supported by the views of Ahlqvist and Halonen , who asserted that social media, a crucial communication tool, plays a pivotal role in our lives, facilitating the expression of ideas, sharing of views, shaping opinions, and connecting individuals and society.
- Democratisation of Protest: Social media has democratized the protest process, making it inclusive and accessible to anyone with internet access. It has eliminated traditional barriers to entry, such as physical presence and resource requirements. It can be said that social movements are breaking free from traditional hierarchical structures.
- For instance the movement “ India against corruption” become nationwide movement due to use of social media
- Difficult to Suppress: Traditional forms of protest were often easier for authorities to control or suppress. With social media, protesters can quickly adapt and change tactics, making it more challenging for authorities to predict or counteract movements.
- Leaderless Movements: Social media enables leaderless movements where individuals can organize and participate without a central figure. This can make it more resilient to suppression since there is no single person to target.
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- The Black Lives Matter movement gained significant momentum through social media. The hashtag #BlackLivesMatter became a rallying cry for protestor’s across the globe, though there was no central leading authority was present.
- Regional Barriers Removed: Social media provides a platform for global solidarity. People from different regions can share experiences, resources, and strategies, breaking down regional barriers and fostering a sense of interconnectedness.
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- For instance: The Arab Spring was a series of anti-government protests, uprisings, and armed rebellions that spread across much of the Arab world with use of social media.
- Empowerment of Vulnerable and Marginalized Sections: Social media gives a voice to marginalized and vulnerable communities who might not have access to traditional forms of media. It allows them to share their stories and grievances, fostering inclusivity.
- For instance #me too movement
- Accessibility to Elites: Social media provides a direct channel for communication between activists and influential individuals or elites. This can be a powerful tool for advocacy and raising awareness among decision-makers.
Dysfunctional Changes:
- Fake News: Philo and Beattie argue that moral panics often arise because of negative media representations of issues such as immigration and asylum seekers. Sometimes such moral panics can lead to violent outrages based on even fake news.
- State Control and Surveillance: Governments can exploit social media for surveillance and control of protests. Monitoring online activities allows authorities to identify and target activists, potentially leading to repression.
- Political Instability: Social media can contribute to political instability by amplifying extremist views and facilitating the rapid spread of rumours. This can lead to increased tensions and conflict within societies.
- Echo Chambers: Social media algorithms tend to create echo chambers, where users are exposed to information that aligns with their existing beliefs. This can reinforce polarization and hinder constructive dialogue between opposing sides.
- Surveillance and Counter-Protest: Conversely, social media can be employed by authorities for monitoring and responding to protests. Governments have the capability to observe social media platforms to identify protestors, monitor their actions, and disseminate misinformation with the aim of undermining the legitimacy of the protest.
- Polarization: While social media can connect like-minded individuals, it can also contribute to polarization as people engage less with diverse perspectives, leading to increased ideological divides.
- The Marxist cultural effects model: it sees social media as very powerful ideological influence, mainly concerned with ideological influence. It may be considered as a source of power inequalities.
- Baudrillard’s hyper-reality: he posits that in contemporary society, media representations have become so prevalent and influential that they no longer merely reflect reality but actively shape and blur the boundaries between representation and actuality.
Consequences
- Economic Implications: The reverse migration during the COVID-19 pandemic affected the recovery of economic activity in cities after the lifting of lockdown, as many migrant workers returned to their native villages, affecting the labor force and economic growth.
- Social Implications:
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- Reverse migration can strengthen family and community ties, as individuals return to their hometowns and reconnect with their roots. This can contribute to social cohesion and community development.
- Returning to their villages, migrant workers faced problems in commuting and quarantine. Some of these workers found jobs in MGNREGA work and some in local industries, while others faced issues in family relations and domestic violence.
- Policy Implications: The condition of migrant workers during the COVID-19 pandemic revealed that workers are inadequately protected by social security measures. Provisions of medical insurance and unemployment or layoff benefits measures need to be universalized.
- Cultural Syncretism: Reverse migrants bring elements of urban culture into rural environments. This infusion of urban influences has resulted in a fusion of urban and rural cultures in villages, particularly evident in states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh in India.
Conclusion
The impact of social media on protests is multifaceted and depends on how these platforms are used and regulated. Despite it’s criticisms, social media has undoubtedly changed the landscape of protest and activism, providing a powerful platform for individuals and movements to amplify their voices and effect change.
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