Social media platforms played a crucial role in shaping the political landscape during the 2009 protests in Iran. The Iranian government's use of censorship and control over traditional media outlets led many citizens to turn to social media platforms to organize, communicate, and spread information about the protests. Jon speaks with Mahsa Alimardani about the ongoing protests in Iran and the government's use of censorship, particularly on social media.
American social media platforms can affect the political systems of different states in varying ways. The effect varies both between and within countries, as seen in the case of Iran in 2009. The ability of social media to bypass government censorship and connect individuals across geographical boundaries became a powerful tool for political activism in Iran.
TIME breaks down some of the key periods of protests and revolutions in Iran that paved the way for subsequent activism. The use of social media during the 2009 protests marked a turning point in how political dissent was organized and disseminated in Iran.
Eight weeks of women-led protests in Iran have passed. Boycotts and strikes are now more common tactics of the protesters, further fueled and coordinated through social media platforms. The ability to mobilize large groups of people quickly and efficiently through these platforms has transformed the nature of political activism in Iran.
In the past few years, Iran has witnessed waves of popular protests involving large parts of the population making economic and political demands. Social media has played a significant role in amplifying the voices of dissent and enabling coordination among disparate groups within the country.
Since the 2009 Green Movement protests in Iran, internet connections have grown significantly, which is why social media is likely playing an even more prominent role in shaping political discourse in the country. The government's attempts to control and censor social media platforms have only increased the use of these platforms as tools for resistance.
When protests erupted in Iran in 2009, then-President Barack Obama reacted cautiously, concerned that a forceful intervention could make the situation worse. The use of social media by protesters to document and share information about government crackdowns highlighted the challenges faced by the international community in responding to political unrest in Iran.
In 2009, the world watched as Iranians marching in the streets turned to social media sites like Twitter and Facebook to organize and share information about the protests. The widespread use of these platforms allowed for real-time updates and facilitated coordination among protesters, leading to a more unified and organized movement.
International tension over Iran's nuclear ambitions has turned the nuclear program into a major domestic political issue and has caused further unrest within the country. Social media has played a significant role in shaping public opinion and mobilizing opposition to the government's policies on the international stage.
