Social media: Key player in Venezuelan protests

Social media has become one of the most empowering and influential ways to expose and broadcast an event on the Internet. Anyone can become a journalist; thus, technology has allowed us to access many social media platforms and connect with millions of people around the world. For instance, Facebook and Instagram have implemented the Live Streaming function which facilitates users to see raw and real-time events.

Technology is now being used to expose the harsh reality of Venezuela. This country was once one of the riches countries in Latin America; however, today is one of the most repressed countries in the world. Under President Nicolas Maduro’s regime, Venezuela is now known to be one of the most dangerous countries in the world. There has been countless protests against the president, but Maduro has consolidated his power, making the country an Authoritarian regime.

There is no freedom of speech, making all mass media outlets censored by the government. This is why Venezuelans are recurring to social media with the hopes of letting the world know what its truly happening. Some of the Twitter, Facebook and Instagram posts were made viral during the ongoing protests, making #SOSVenezuela #PrayforVenezuela #VzlaUnidaContraElFascismo trending hashtags.

Despite the live-blogging efforts, the Venezuelan government blocked most of the posts that could defame them. However, they have brought so much international attention it is inevitable to deceive. As said by USA Today, More than 14 million people in Venezuela own a smart phone, which allows them immediate access to the news.

Personally, I see how my Venezuelan friends at Penn State make an effort to disseminate through their social media accounts what their families and friends back in Venezuela are living first-hand.

 

Don’t underestimate the power of social media, specially for millennials, who are tech savvy. It is a great tool to let your voice be heard and inform people of relevant issues happening in the world.

Barakat, C. (2014, February 21). Social Media and the Uprising in Venezuela. Retrieved August 30, 2017, from http://www.adweek.com/digital/social-media-uprising-venezuela/

Ellis, S. (2017, August 29). The collapse of Venezuela, explained. Retrieved August 30, 2017, from https://www.vox.com/videos/2017/8/29/16201552/collapse-maduro-venezuela-explained

Wilson, P. (2014, February 19). Social media key for Venezuelan protesters. Retrieved August 30, 2017, from https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2014/02/19/venezuela-uprising-protests/5606899/