On December 3, 2012, fishbat comments on an article published by Newsday which highlights how illiberal political leaders try to quell voices of opposition.

A Newsday article written by Stanford University Professor of Journalism Joel Brinkley explains how oppressive dictators share a common fear of social media. The article claims that authoritarian leaders are actively fighting against bloggers and other users of social media in order to censor unfavorable opinions.

The Newsday article asserts that social media is a source of destabilization for political tyrants. The article reports that since online media is widely available, controlling every individual’s online publications, posts, or comments becomes a very unwieldy task. However, the article outlines ways in which voices not consistent with these tyrants often face being persecuted. The Stanford University Professor sites one example that “China spends more money on internal security – including a massive online censor office”. In many cases, individuals have been jailed for speaking out or voicing their discontent.

Justin Maas, VP of client relations at social media agency fishbat states, “It’s unfortunate that people have suffered for having a difference of opinion, but the idea that social media is empowering the masses to affect positive change is inspiring.”

It is not uncommon for nations that lack wide distribution of technology to be run by oppressive rulers. The article notes that in instances in which people don’t have access to social media they cannot be heard and even if they did illiteracy rates would probably prevent it from being an effective vessel for communication.

While a power struggle between political tyrants and the nations people will no doubt continue. Social media has helped tip the balance of power in favor of those being ruled. With modern communications technology, oppressive governments will be forced to work harder than ever to keep people quiet.

fishbat, Inc. is a full service online marketing firm. Through social media management, search engine optimization (SEO), web design, and public relations, fishbat strives as a marketing firm to raise awareness about your brand and strengthen your corporate image.
#####