The occurrence of Arab Spring on December 18, 2010 sparked a new revolution in Tunisia along with other countries.

It began with the self-immolation of Mohammed Bouazizi in protest of the injustices of the police. Retaliation occurred against the corrupt power. The main target was the corruption of President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. This movement represented more than a political revolution but also a social media revolution that inspired others to stand up for theirrights.

The people of Tunisia took to social media such as Facebook, Youtube, and Twitter to voice their opinions and spark a revolution with others around the world. Social media served as a tool of freedom and giving people the power to express their opinions. It wasn’t long before the government blocked social media but that did not stop activists. They continued to find ways around the government bans by fighting technology with technology.

The vast amount of information coming from Tunisia to the rest of the world showed a new side of the people other people thought were so different. Young people from the United States and other countries saw how alike they were to the activists and how social media plays a central role in the lives of those voicing revolution. Social media created networks that connected people to others who were just as passionate about democracy and freedom.

According to studies “there was an average of 2,400 tweets a day from people in neighboring countries about the political situation in Egypt. In Tunisia after Ben Alis resignation, there were about 2,200 tweets a day.” Social media traffic increased each and everyday and inspired other neighboring countries to revolt. Social media accomplished and did what no revolution could do 30 or even 10 years ago. It holds an immense power to shape the government of the people and give voice to those mute.

As an Egyptian activist said, “If you want to liberate [a people], give them the Internet.” Social media was at the center of the revolution and continues to serve as more than entertainment for the new generation. This tool gives the power to do more than simply blog, tweet, or post but push for change and democracy.

http://www.washington.edu/news/2011/09/12/new-study-quantifies-use-of-social-media-in-arab-spring

http://smallwarsjournal.com/jrnl/art/what-the-arab-spring-tells-us-about-the-future-of-social-media-in-revolutionary-movements

http://www.wired.com/2013/04/arabspring/