Pictures Worth a 1000 words: The Power of Social Networking in Egypt's Fight For Freedom

Pictures Worth a 1000 words: The Power of Social Networking in Egypt's Fight For Freedom

The current battle for freedom and the removal of President Mubarak in Egypt is a complex, constantly shifting, increasingly violent, and confusing situation to watch. It's hard for anyone to really understand what's going on in that country, but one thing is clear. This revolution was organized and sustained through the use of the internet and popular social networking platforms, such as Facebook and Twitter. It's no wonder then, that almost immediately once protests started taking place, the Government of Egypt attempted to shut down the internet and these websites. Thankfully, they were unsuccessful and the Egyptian people were able to continue to organize themselves and their opinions via these powerful tools. Social Networking was always meant to connect us to those around us and around the world. To see how these tools have been used to shape a revolution is truly awe-inspiring. 

(Photo: Egyptian protester holding sign “Thank you Facebook” Taken by NBC reporter Richard Engel)

 

(Photo: An anti-government protestor holds a blooded Egyptian flag in Tahrir Square on February 3, 2011 in Cairo, Egypt. The Army have positioned tanks between protesters who had been battling with supporters of President Hosni Mubarak for the second day in and around Tahrir Square in Cairo. By Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images.)

(Photo: A young Egyptian anti-government demonstrator flashes victory signs as a stone battle rages between fellow demonstrators and pro-regime opponents at Cairo's Tahrir Square on February 3, 2011 on the 10th day of protests calling for the ouster of embattled President Hosni Mubarak. By Miguel Medina/AFP/Getty Images)

(Photo: Egyptian soldiers try to prevent anti-government demonstrators (L) from battling pro-government opponents (R) in Cairo's Tahrir square on February 03, 2011 on the 10th day of protests calling for the ouster of embattled President Hosni Mubarak. By Mohammed Abed/AFP/Getty Images)