Arab Spring

Arab Spring refers to uprisings that started in the Middle East in 2010 that demanded total change. Some countries where Arab Spring happened include Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, Yemen, and Syria. Social media played a crucial role to the organization of Arab Springs. Social media was used to communicate and raise awareness and organize demonstrations, marches, and rallies.

Young people were a huge influence in the revolts by using social networking. Freedom of speech and the right to assemble are limited in Egypt.  For young people in Egypt, Facebook, which allows users to speak freely to one another, is an irresistible platform for social interaction but also for opposition. The Egyptian government actually attempted   to eliminate the nation's Internet access in order to inhibit the protesters' ability organize through Social Media. As of September 2012, Arab Springs have resulted in governments being overthrown in four countries. 

In countries where freedom of speech is limited, I can see how the use of Facebook is so appealing. It allows people to get their message out to a large number of people. It allows them to connect with other people that may have the same views of them. The only unethical thing I can see about Arab Spring by using social media, is the possibility of things turning violent by persuading someone’s actions. Otherwise, I don’t think there is anything unethical about using social media to organize uprisings.