Dr.Mohamed Salah
By Dr. Mohamed salah
The 25th January Revolution in Egypt marked a turning point in the country’s history. It was a time of great change and upheaval, and social media played a significant role in the events leading up to and following the revolution. In this article, we will explore the impact of social media on Egyptian society during and after the 25th January Revolution.
Before the Revolution
Social media had been growing in popularity in Egypt for several years prior to the 25th January Revolution. Facebook, in particular, had become a popular platform for Egyptians to connect with each other and share information. In the years leading up to the revolution, there were several instances where social media played a role in mobilizing people for protests and other political events.
One of the most notable examples was the April 6th Youth Movement. This was a group of young activists who used Facebook and other social media platforms to organize protests against the government of Hosni Mubarak. The group’s efforts were largely unsuccessful, but they laid the groundwork for the larger protests that would follow in 2011.
The Role of Social Media in the Revolution
On January 25th, 2011, thousands of Egyptians took to the streets to protest against the government of Hosni Mubarak. Social media played a crucial role in mobilizing people for these protests. Activists used Facebook, Twitter, and other platforms to spread information about the protests and organize people to attend.
One of the most significant ways that social media impacted the revolution was by providing a platform for people to share their stories and experiences. Citizens were able to document and share photos and videos of the protests, and other events that were taking place on the ground. This helped to raise awareness both within Egypt and around the world and put pressure on the government to respond.
Social media also played a key role in organizing and coordinating the protests. Activists were able to use Facebook and other platforms to share information about meeting places, protest routes, and other details. This allowed protesters to coordinate their actions.
Finally, social media helped to break down barriers between different groups in Egyptian society. People from different backgrounds, religions, and political affiliations were able to come together and share a common goal. This helped to create a sense of unity and solidarity among the protesters, which was crucial in their success.
Impact of Social Media After the Revolution
The impact of social media on Egyptian society did not end with the revolution. In the years since 2011, social media has continued to play a significant role in shaping public discourse and political activism.
One of the most notable examples of this was the election of Mohamed Morsi as Egypt’s first democratically elected president after 25th revolution in 2012. Social media played a significant role in mobilizing support for Morsi and his Muslim Brotherhood party. However, social media also played a role in his downfall, as protests and criticism against his administration were also organized on these platforms.
Social media has also played a role in shaping public opinion on a wide range of social and economic issues. For example, social media has been used to raise awareness about issues such as price raise for products such as cars or food. Activists have used these platforms to share stories, organize protests, and build support for various causes.
It was proven that Egyptian people were the first people in the world who use social media platforms by the effected way not only as communication tools but like a public square to gather citizens around important topics so it led governments around the world to know the critical role of these platforms and connect with their citizens and solving the problems and developing the services to citizens.
Conclusion
The impact of social media on Egyptian society since the 25th January Revolution has been significant and far-reaching. Social media played a crucial role in mobilizing people for the revolution, and in documenting and sharing stories from the ground. It has also played a role in shaping public opinion on a wide range of social and economic and political issues.
Overall, social media has had both positive and negative impacts on Egyptian society since the 25th January Revolution. As we continue to grapple with the challenges and opportunities presented by these platforms, it is important to remain vigilant and critical of the ways in which they are being used, and to work towards building a more inclusive and democratic society where all voices can be heard and valued.
