Assessing the Impact of Social Media on the 25 January 2011 Egyptian Revolution

In the light of the dramatic events of the 25 January 2011 Egyptian Revolution, many media sources gave too much credit to social media and often labeled it as the Facebook and Twitter revolution while dismissing the role of Egypt's most important asset: the Egyptian citizens. This thesis explores the role and impact of the new social media on sustained social mobilization and the outcome of the 25 January 2011 Egyptian Revolution that led to the ousting of former President Hosni Mubarak. The research shows that social media was a vital tool that enabled preexisting networks to override state repressive measures. However, social media was only one of many tools (or factors) that smoothed the progress of social mobilization and had an impact on the outcome of the revolution. In sum, both online and offline tools, tactics, and strategies, as well as political opportunities facilitated the social mobilization, communication, and organization of Egyptian revolutionaries; therefore, all impacted the outcome of the revolution.
The original document contains color images.