Understanding the Role of Technology in Social Movements

The video explores the dual role of social media in empowering and weakening protests. It uses the Gezi Park protests as a case study to illustrate how digital tools can mobilize movements but also highlights the challenges they face in achieving lasting change. Historical comparisons with movements like the Civil Rights Movement show the importance of sustained effort and capacity building. The video concludes with a call for innovation and strategic thinking to enhance the effectiveness of modern movements.

What paradoxical effect can technology have on social movements, as discussed in the introduction?

• It can increase government control over movements.

• It can make movements less visible.

• It can weaken movements while empowering them.

• It can make movements more organized.

What was a significant outcome of the Gezi Park protests?

• An increase in traditional media coverage

• A change in government leadership

• The rise of citizen journalism networks

• A new law protecting public parks

Which movement is considered one of the first to gain global attention through the Internet?

• The Zapatistas

• The Occupy Movement

• The Gezi Park Protests

• The Arab Spring

What is a key difference between modern movements and the Civil Rights Movement?

• Modern movements are more focused on local issues.

• Modern movements have more financial resources.

• The Civil Rights Movement had a strong organizational base.

• The Civil Rights Movement relied heavily on digital technology.

How did the Civil Rights Movement manage to organize without digital technology?

• Through government assistance

• By relying on international support

• Through extensive face-to-face meetings

• By using radio broadcasts

What challenge do modern movements face due to their informal operation?

• They struggle to gain media attention.

• They find it hard to sustain long-term efforts.

• They lack participation from younger generations.

• They are unable to use digital platforms effectively.

What is the main argument against the idea that today's protesters form weaker ties?

• Protesters are less committed to their causes.

• Protesters do not form any new relationships.

• Protesters rely solely on virtual connections.

• Protesters often come with existing networks.

What is a common feature of today's social movements?

• They focus solely on local issues.

• They avoid using digital platforms.

• They have strong institutional leadership.

• They prefer to operate informally.

What is Loomio, as mentioned in the conclusion?

• A tool for participatory decision making

• A government surveillance software

• A social media platform for protests

• A news outlet for uncensored journalism

What does the speaker suggest is necessary for updating democracy?

• Innovations at organizational, political, and social levels

• Less reliance on digital technology

• Increased government intervention

• More online decision-making tools