Introduction
Social networking technologies are computer mediated technologies that provide social networking services. As such, people who share similar interest, backgrounds, or activities are able to access a platform where they can build social networks so that they create real –life connections. The 21st century has witnessed numerous developments in the social networking technologies. Social media sites such as Facebook have grown tremendously and can connect up to over 1.5 billion people around the world. The ability of such a huge number of people to find a platform where they can connect with each other and share information implies that people have become more empowered.
My Claim
People are empowered by social networking technologies than the governments are since they can connect with each other easily and share information. Most governments stay in power by keeping information away from people and reducing communication between them as well.
Importance
A few years ago, there were few or no social networking technologies in existent. As they continue developing each day, it is necessary that they are assessed to determine their impact on the lives of the people. One of the main areas that social media has influenced is the way people relate with their governments. Through social media, people can now demand their rights in case of constitution violation by the government. The government can easily spread information to the citizens through social media. However, between the government and the people, one party has gained more from the introduction of social networking technologies. Therefore, it is important that the issue of social media empowerment for the two parties is explored.
Reason 1
Social networking technologies provide information and communication networks.
Details
Through social networking sites, people can easily communicate with each other as they share information (Chin & Zhang, 2014). Therefore, it is possible for people to learn of any unlawful activity committed by the government in a short span of time. This information can cause discontentment among citizens making it difficult for them to trust the government.
Counter-arguments to my reason
However, the government is able to limit how such information is spread by creating various laws that govern against spreading of information that might cause unrest among the people.
Rebuttal
Nevertheless, the people will always find a way of spreading information online as the government cannot monitor all social media interactions.
Reason 2
Social networking technologies enable people to form communities that congregate around shared values.
Details
Through social networking technologies such as Whatsapp and Facebook, it is possible for people to form a group that is united for a particular cause. People in this group can discuss all information related to the matter and decide the way forward. It is therefore possible for people to execute plans aimed at destabilizing the government as they have a platform for organizing such matters (Shirky, 2011).
Counter arguments to my reason
In case the government realizes there are people planning such activities through social networking technologies, they have the ability of taking drastic measures such as shutting down internet, restricting servers, or shutting down cellular networks.
Rebuttal
The governmental cannot shut down internet and other services for long without provoking the wrath of the people. Therefore, people will always have the upper hand.
Reason 3
Increased expressive capability
Details
Social networking platforms have provided people with a chance of expressing their thoughts and ideas openly. In the course of such expressions, some people might express their disapproval of the government and end up provoking their idea in minds of many other people, who would have been silent on the matter.
Counter-argument
The government can limit expressions that are deemed harmful to the peaceful coexistence of people through internet censorship. Through internet censorship, the access, publication, or viewing of various items on the internet is suppressed or controlled (King et al. 2013).
Rebuttal
It is not possible for the government to suppress one-to-one interactions online. Before the government intervenes, some expressions will have already been shared to a large number of people.
Connections
Social media allows people to connect and share information easily. The platforms provided by these technologies where people can unite and form a group for united cause together with the provision of a platform for expression means that people are now empowered. Political activists can easily come together. On the other end, it is difficult for the government to manage social media interactions and therefore, the truth is that people are now empowered than they were before the onset of social networking technologies.
Conclusion
The ability of social networking technologies to provide information and communication networks means that people can share more information easily amongst themselves. People can also form communities where they gather and discuss similar ideas over social media. Furthermore, the expressions of people over social media can reach many others thereby influencing their thoughts over the government. Even though the government may try various means within their power, it is clear that the people have been empowered more by the social networking technologies. It is time for the government to act constitutionally to avoid provoking the people.
References
Chin, A., & Zhang, D. (2014). Mobile Social Networking: An Innovative Approach. New York, NY: Imprint: Springer.
Shirky, C. (2011). The political power of social media. Foreign affairs, 90(1), 28-41.
King, G., Pan, J., & Roberts, M. E. (2013). How censorship in China allows government criticism but silences collective expression. American Political Science Review, 107(02), 326-343.
