Since Friday's presidential "election" in Iran, much has been made of the role Twitter and other social networks have played in organizing protests and breaking news from Tehran. One insightful tweet this weekend said "What's sad about today is that #iranelection may be remembered as the day twitter came into its own as journalistic and organizing force."
While political and public relations professionals (like myself) gush over the potential Twitter and other social networks have given us to win our elections and promote our brands, what we really should be celebrating is the fact that these amazing tools are being used half-way around the world to free our common man from tyranny. If Twitter never helps another campaign win an election or another company make a profit, at least we can celebrate the hope, momentum and power it has given the people of Iran during this pivotal moment in their history.
While political and public relations professionals (like myself) gush over the potential Twitter and other social networks have given us to win our elections and promote our brands, what we really should be celebrating is the fact that these amazing tools are being used half-way around the world to free our common man from tyranny. If Twitter never helps another campaign win an election or another company make a profit, at least we can celebrate the hope, momentum and power it has given the people of Iran during this pivotal moment in their history.
In an interesting post last evening, The Washington Post examines the online explosion surrounding the Iranian election and The White House's "online silence" in response. In the post, the author links to a fascinating video that helps one fully comprehend the impact social networking and blogging has had on Iranian culture and more importantly, what the online space means to younger Iranians' fight for freedom. Watch the video and be sure to share it with your networks:
