Introduction
World transformation has been a long but intensive process affecting various persons and their activities. The issue of globalization is observed to be divided into various types, which are dependent on the activities that actually transform the human existence at a time. The initial stages of globalization dates back to the thirteenth century when it was entirely based on the globalization of countries.
This is evident with persons such as Vasco da Gama who explored other countries for better opportunities after having transformed their home countries. This is referred to as globalization 1.0. Globalization 2, which followed, was based on revolution of organizations. It was experienced from the Second World War to the end of the twentieth century.
During this period, the internet which led to further development was invented. Globalization 3 is mainly based on the development achieved in globalization 2.0. It mainly focused on individual revolution. In its achievement, the internet and its connectivity have been intensively used.
Early this year, various revolutions were observed in the Arab spring. This was facilitated by the use of social media, a tool in globalization 3.0. This paper seeks to give an in-depth analysis of globalization 3.0 which was instrumental in the Syria and Libya revolution by the use of social media.
Arab Spring
The social media was very useful in sharing information in the Libya and Syria during their revolution. During this period, most of the media houses were banned from airing information. This was aimed at ensuring control of the public was easy by the administration. Despite this, the internet was easily available to the citizens through computers and cell phone which enabled them to share information.
This was specifically used by the youths who had been having access to social media at their schools as well as through in cyber cafes. In my opinion, I perceive collaboration of the youths through social media to have been effective in sharing information not only to the citizens only but also to other people across the globe. This is evident from the numerous footage videos and chats shared on Facebook and Twitter.
There are numerous arguments that have been raised on whether the social media was the reason for the uprising, or just a tool for spreading awareness. In getting an accurate answer to the argument, it is necessary to understand the reason for the uprising. In these countries, the leaders had held power for a long time which necessitated revolution. Moreover, the citizens felt that they were denied freedom in undertaking various activities due to the strict rules imposed in ruling the countries.
Thus the root cause of the uprising was the long tough ruling of their countries. Since there were restriction on media houses in regard to sharing of information, the social media remained as the only mans of sharing information as the government had not direct control over them. Thus the social media was not the reasons for the uprising but a tool for spreading awareness (Council on foreign relations, 2011).
During the uprising, there were no enough media personnel to share the information to others in a professional way as stipulated by their code of conduct. This did not hinder people from taking videos of the situation and uploading them into the internet through social media sites. This is mainly because, in social media communication, quality is not given much attention as the ideas shared.
The main tools used for collecting the information included cell phones and digital cameras. In some instances, the credibility of the information shared was doubted but through some reporting from professional media personnel undertaking their duties undercover, some credibility was accorded. In acts affecting large part of the citizen, credibility was necessary in order to give the international community authority to intervene in the uprising as stipulated in the international agreements (Pollack, 2011).
Due to the continuous development of social media and improved infrastructure, a larger population has got access to it. This has affected the overall interaction of human beings. Through social media such as Facebook and Twitter, one can have friends from all over the world.
Through them, communication between various people despite their origin has been essential in reducing racism as well as ensuring that no part of the world is left far much behind in respect to global development. When use of social media is integrated in an individual’s life, it directly influences the society at large since each person is a member of a specific society.
Conclusion
The transformation of the world has been evident to all in all the stage; globalization 1.0, globalization 2.0 and globalization 3.0. The internet which has been the backbone of revolution was invented in globalization 2.0 with much transformation experienced in globalization 3.0. Through the internet, social media which was essential in creating awareness in Libya and Syria uprising was born.
Despite the lack of sufficient professional media personnel, the youth took videos and shared then to the world. In the case of international intervention, credibility of the information was necessary. Currently, due to the integration of social media in a person’s lifestyle, the society has continuously been shaped.
References
Council on foreign relations (2011). The New Arab Revolt: What Happened, What It Means, and What Comes Next? New York: Council on Foreign Relations.
Pollack, K. (2011). The Arab Awakening: America and the Transformation of the Middle East. Brookings Institution Press. Washington: Brookings Institution Press.