"Social media has become a way for us to connect, to keep this issue at the forefront of our day, to talk about what is happening. Social media makes it impossible to just shut off the rest of the world and focus on our own lives. Social media reminds us that our problems are small and our reach is far. When we feel like we can’t do anything, as is the case for many of us right now in regards to the unrest in Egypt, social media gives us a voice. And an ear."
(http://www.blogworld.com/2011/01/28/social-medias-role-in-the-egyptian-protests/)
Social media has connected everyone in more ways than one. It makes it impossible to ignore the latest news because we're surrounded by it. News is in ads on Facebook and blogging sites, in clips on emails: it's everywhere. Donations can be made online, petitions can be "signed", and people can unite against a common cause without knowing anything about each other.
"Twenty-first–century civil society relies upon the Internet and other communication devices for its infrastructure, and for a digital “safe harbor” in which civic conversations can incubate. This is especially true in countries where the national print and broadcast media are heavily censored." (Philip N. Howard)
Thus, the Internet also provides can outlet for individuals to express their ideas in countries that censor other news mediums. Fortunately the United States is not as censored and there are all types of mediums and opinions that can be expressed. The Internet is one medium to exercise the First Amendment.
"Civil society groups use the Internet as a logistical tool for organization and communication." (Phillip N. Howard)
This is similar to the current conflict in Egypt. Would it have been such a big event had the social media not helped these rebels connect?
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