Social Media 2
One of the most recent controversies pertains to the murder of Washington Post’s reporter Jamal Khashoggi. Mr. Khashoggi was assassinated when he traveled back to the United Arab Emirates to collect documents for his planned wedding (The Aljazeera, 2019). In the beginning, there was a heated controversy surrounding Khashoggi’s murder. On one hand, the Saudi government was blamed for perpetrating the journalist’s murder. However, the Saudi government argued that it was not involved in any way to Khashoggi’s murder. The Turkish Daily Sabah leaked to the public records obtained by Turkey’s national intelligence that contained transcripts and audio recordings of what transpired immediately before Khashoggi’s murder (The Aljazeera, 2019). These transcripts and recordings reveal that Khashoggi’s murder is likely the result of government assassination.
The leaking of information about Khashoggi’s murder is an example of digital activism. Digital platforms, such as social media sites and newspapers, are being used to raise awareness about issues facing society, including corruption, racism, and government assassination. At the same time, digital activism is part and parcel of democracy. Platforms such as social media sites and online newspapers ensure that people enjoy and practice their freedom of information (Car & Musladin, 2018). At the same time, digital platforms are crucial tools for organizing social protests. During the Arab Spring that occurred in 2012, social media platforms, such as Twitter and Facebook, were used to plan and implement widespread public protests (Car & Musladin, 2018). However, the “information sharing” society poses a serious threat to people’s right to privacy. In some instances, private information may be leaked to the public despite it have little or no significance to ensuring the safety and prosperity of the society.
In conclusion, increased information sharing that characterized modern society has some benefits and detriments. On one hand, the behavior will help keep the government on check and protect people’s right to access to information. However, the trend poses a serious threat to people’s right to privacy.
References
Car, V., & Musladin, M. (2018). Digital activism and human security: Two cases of Croatian Leaks. Teorija in Praksa, 55(2), 445.
The Aljazeera. (2019). Audi transcripts of Jamal Khashoggi’s murder revealed. Retrieved from https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/09/audio-jamal-khashoggi-gruesome-murder-revealed-190909163642769.html