The popularity of social media sites have not only become places to network and exchange opinions or ideas, but also a place to spread defiance and coordinate protests.  The use of social media is now evolving to help social change and voice more than opinion.

Recent events such as the Iranian Presidential election riots and protests have become hot topics on Twitter and popular groups to join on Facebook. An article from The New York Times reports that links to photos of protests are found on Twitter feeds and the opposing candidate used Twitter as a “virtual media office.”  The Tweets on this topic begin with #IranElection.  The Facebook fan page for Mousavi has reached a following of more than 55,000 supporters.  On this page, supporters share videos, pictures, and discuss experiences and attitudes during the election and riots that followed.

Hundreds of people gathered for riots and protests against the Iranian Presidential election

Since the rise of social media, many people are able to connect and learn about various current events from millions of perspectives.  During our presidential election in 2008, social media was omnipresent and everyone was tuned in. This attraction to have control and access to groundbreaking photos, videos, and discussions, is a contributing trait of social media.  Social media has become a new revolutionary tool and modern way of action.