#arabspringmovement

Idle No More Movement

Social Media was a large driving force behind the idle no more movement. It started small with about 100 people rallying across Saskatoon and then grew into a political protest that has spread across Canada.

Activists that supported this movement used social media as their voice. For example Erica Lee, 22, is a University of Saskatchewan student who has been an activist for most of her life. People like her chose social media as the tool allowing them to express their opinions. According to Lee, “traditionally it’s the chiefs and the people in power that have the ability to speak to the media, whereas now, people like me are getting interviewed.” In essence, social media allows people who are directly impacted by these events to get involved and have their voices heard.

Also, Tanya Kappo, an activist from Edmonton, Alberta used social media as a way to help people in far-flung First Nations communities. A day after the Idle No More Facebook page was born she started the Twitter hashtag of #idlenomore that has now been used hundred of thousands of time across the network. This hashtag has since been used as a central way to create widespread awareness, and conversation about the movement.

Overall, without social media the Idle No More movement may not have become as widespread as it has today. If it did, it might have taken a much longer period of time, and people that were truly impacted by the events may not have been able to have their voice heard.

Arab Spring Movements 

It has also been said that Facebook and Twitter helped to blossom the Arab Spring Movements. 

Being capable of sharing an immense amount of uncensored and accurate information throughout social networking sites has contributed to the cause of many Arab Spring activists. Through social networking sites, Arab Spring activists have not only gained the power to overthrow powerful dictatorship, but also helped Arab civilians become aware of the underground communities that exist and are made up of their brothers, and others willing to listen to their stories. 

For these movements, the speed of online communication through digital channels gave activists unprecedented agility during street operations. Online, they were able to organize, debate, plan, and broadcast at a level of coordination that was unavailable in the past. 

The power of social media was so prevalent in these movements that authorities resorted to shutting off the Internet and Telecom service. In a nutshell, the Arab spring has shown the world what is possible when you combine social unrest with brave citizens and powerful digital tools.

  The Digital Divide

The digital divide is the continuous social issue referring to the differing amount of information between those who have access to the Internet and those who do not have access. 

Dimensions

The difference is not necessarily determined by the access to the Internet, but by access to ICTs and to media that the different segments of society can use. With regards to the Internet, the access is only one aspect, other factors such as the quality of connection and related services should be considered. Today the most discussed issue is the availability of the access at an affordable cost and quality. 

Bridging the Gap

The idea that some information and communication technologies are vital to quality civic life is not new. Some suggest that the Internet and other ICTs are somehow transforming society, improving our mutual understanding, eliminating power differentials, realizing a truly free and democratic world society, and other benefits. 

Rural Access

Rural access is one of the biggest tests of the Digital Divide. Nowadays this is being eliminated through the use of power lines and satellite communications.

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