Sarah Linesch Multimedia Writing and Rhetoric Dr.

Erin Dietel-McLaughlin 28 October 2013 Research Proposal Research Questions: Thesis: The use of social media during the 2011 Egyptian protests helped to gain support for the revolution. Main Points: 1. Social Media was used to gain support for the revolution Evidence: Facebook pages and Twitter accounts helped spread the information around the world so more people became aware of the events 2. Social media was used to organize protests and relay information Evidence: Facebook pages and Twitter accounts were used to organize protests in different areas, making it easier to rally people together 3. Social media allowed for a fast relay of information which allowed for quick information changes and immediate updated information. Evidence: Significant events and protests could readily be changed if needed and information about this could be shared with all in a matter of minutes. Information about events was known very shortly after it had happened so people were able to respond quicker. 4. Social media lowered the cost of the revolution Evidence: Social media and internet use is free so organizers did not have to spend money on propaganda and could focus their efforts more on the revolution. Possible Objections: 1. Egypt has minimal access to the internet so the use of the internet and social media was not very effective Evidence: Only 30% of the population in Egypt has internet access How has social media increased activism in countries, specifically Egypt? Was social media successful in helping the Egyptian protests? What problems did social media cause in the country?

Flaws in Response: The revolution was started and targeted towards the younger generation. 64% of the people in Cairo, Egypts largest city and place of many protests, have internet access. Many of these people are young urban professionals. Facebook is the second most popular site in the country, behind Google. 2. The government can stop the revolution by manipulating the media access that the public has. Evidence: The government shut down the internet in an effort to slow down and hinder the revolution. Flaws in Response: The revolution gained more momentum once the internet was shut down and more protests were active. Sources: Social Media as a Tool for Protest By Marko Papic and Sean Noonan The End of the Beginning: The Failure of April 6th and the Future of Electronic Activism in Egypt by David M. Faris Clicks, Cabs, and Coffeehouses: Social Media and Oppositional Movements in Egypt, 20042011 by Merlyna Lim Social Media Evolution of the Egyptian Revolution by Alok Choudhary, William Hendrix, Kathy Lee, Diana Palsetia, and Wei-Keng Liao