Guest Sorbate: The Iran Election: How Big Of An Effect Does Social Media Have?

When I first joined Twitter, it was an under the radar micro-blogging tool to share quick updates about my life. Little did I know just how big its role would be globally.

When I heard about the Iran elections, I knew things were bad. However, I read very little about what some are now calling a revolution. I did this because, being the wife of an Iraq war veteran, it takes very little to stir up images of unrest, rioting, and death, especially within the Middle East region. Not that I have ever been to or spent time in that region, but after hearing first hand accounts of war, there are imagined images that are burned into my memory. I’ve been there – the worrying, no sleep, no word. I was trying not to get too emotionally involved.

Then I saw the YouTube video of Neda Agha-Soltan.

She was allegedly shot to death a by Basij militiaman while amongst protestors in Tehran, Iran’s capital. There was a big commotion regarding the video so I Googled it, clicked, and watched. My stomach lurched and dropped. I closed the browser as blood poured from her nose. I couldn’t finish the video.

I was speechless. I felt angry and upset. During the beginning of the Iraq war, web 2.0 was just starting to flourish. Now, as it’s beginning to expand upon its full potential, I don’t have imagined memories. I can see what’s going on.

Will the Iranian government conduct a proper recount or revote? Looking at their track record, it’s not their style. However, the cries of the revolution will be heard. Whether it’s through the news, Twitter tweets, or Facebook shared links, their stories will be heard. That is no small feat. In fact, I’d say it is and will be an integral part in how this all plays out.

For example, while the U.S. is being criticized for their non-involvement, the U.S. State Department had contacted Twitter earlier last month, requesting they delay a planned upgrade because downtime would disrupt the ability for Iranians to share their stories. The politics behind U.S. and Iran relations may be dicey, but for our government to see value in the Internet’s open communication is inspiring and noteworthy.

I’ve always been a fan of the Internet’s ability to empower people to share their experiences and interact with others. Now, it is being used as an amplifier. Despite the Iranian government’s efforts to suppress the opposition’s voice, Flickr images will appear, news will hit the Internet, and people everywhere will blog. There will be little imagination needed.

Perhaps the Iranian government’s heavy handed tactics may have worked in the past when information was not as free flowing, single biased, and funneled through a limited number of media outlets, but not today. This is playing out on a world stage and Iran will be judged according to first hand accounts. No sugar coating, no cover-up, no downplaying. After all, you can’t edit the death of Neda Agha-Soltan. The effect that social media will have on this revolution is a major key to its survival and success.