It was hard to miss the violence on London’s streets over the weekend. Needless to say, the vast majority of people were there to protest peacefully about the brutal cuts that are taking place in the public sector. But as a statement of disquiet, last weekend has not been matched on our streets since the anti-Iraq War protests.
UK Uncut has risen to prominence in a short space of time, and has used the social media platforms to great effect. Publicising its own work, as well as inviting guest blog posts. Regular tweets also ensure that they are never too far from their engaged audience minds.
People are upset. From the Winter Fuel Allowance to the increased petrol costs, an already straitened set of circumstances is being squeezed more for many. To the point of bursting. The economic uncertainty is undoubtedly breeding fear among the people; as well as anger. And people clearly care not just about their own pockets; but for the more vulnerable in society too. This was very much in evidence at the weekend on the streets of London (mindless violence and looting aside)
Social Media gives people who want to be heard, numerous platforms to spread their message fast. And people choose which tweets to follow, blog posts to read etc; so you know there is a fish at the end of the hook you cast in. That is what we mean by an engaged audience.
From a protesters perspective, Egypt and the violence in London last week, has shown that Twitter can inform people where to be and what is going on in real-time. Gone are the days when messengers were dispatched along the front-line one or two at a time. We have come on a long way since then. Instant communication can mobilise people fast and en masse.
This has major implications for police and governments moving forward. Put in the wrong hands, social media can be a powerful, and destructive tool. And authorities need to invest heavily in policing the social media space effectively, and ensuring their employees have a complete understanding of social media platforms and their potential.