Occupy Wall Street: A Movement Fueled by Social Media
Since the Canadian activist group, Adbusters, called for everyone to Occupy Wall Street on September 17, 2011, millions of people worldwide have joined the movement. Pushing primarily for greater wealth equality in the US and less corporate influence over the government, the Occupy movement is one that aims to lessen the gap between the 99% and the wealthiest 1% in America.
The demonstrations are based in Zuccotti Park in the Wall Street financial district of New York, but since then they have spread to over 900 cities worldwide. However, social media and technology have definitely played a significant role in helping to advance the movement. Youtube, especially has been the group's main mode of communication; as well as Twitter, which has allowed them to feed a steady flow of updates to millions of followers.
One supporter, a Brooklyn software developer, even went so far as to create a special smart phone application to help protesters demonstrating at an Occupy rally. With one click of a button, the "I'm Getting Arrested" app allows users to quickly send a mass SOS-type message to any distribution list--which can include anyone from friends and family to lawyers--in case they are arrested or get into any sort of altercation with police.
Only time will tell how this movement will pan out, but it is definitely one that will go down in the history books. It's interesting to see what will come of this, and especially interesting to see the huge role technology has played in this movement. To help readers better understand the scope of this movement, we've created an informational graphic detailing some of the notable incidents and interesting statistics that have helped shape what the Occupy movement has come to represent. (Click to view a larger image.)
The demonstrations are based in Zuccotti Park in the Wall Street financial district of New York, but since then they have spread to over 900 cities worldwide. However, social media and technology have definitely played a significant role in helping to advance the movement. Youtube, especially has been the group's main mode of communication; as well as Twitter, which has allowed them to feed a steady flow of updates to millions of followers.
One supporter, a Brooklyn software developer, even went so far as to create a special smart phone application to help protesters demonstrating at an Occupy rally. With one click of a button, the "I'm Getting Arrested" app allows users to quickly send a mass SOS-type message to any distribution list--which can include anyone from friends and family to lawyers--in case they are arrested or get into any sort of altercation with police.
Only time will tell how this movement will pan out, but it is definitely one that will go down in the history books. It's interesting to see what will come of this, and especially interesting to see the huge role technology has played in this movement. To help readers better understand the scope of this movement, we've created an informational graphic detailing some of the notable incidents and interesting statistics that have helped shape what the Occupy movement has come to represent. (Click to view a larger image.)
You can share this graphic using the embed code below:
Recent Cell Phone Numbers Privacy & Safety Articles
Now Searching...
Run A Search Now