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Anti-Extradition Law Amendment Bill Movement in Hong Kong
Primary social media: Reddit, Facebook, Twitter Tactics: Protesters in Hong Kong used Telegram to coordinate protest activities anonymously, evading government surveillance. Social media was crucial for organizing flash mob protests and sharing protest strategies. Twitter and Reddit were used to gain international attention, with hashtags like #HongKongProtests amplifying the movement. Protesters also used live-streaming and viral videos to document police brutality, galvanizing global support. -
BLM Protests and George Floyd Protests
Primary Social Media: Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok Tactics: Social media was used to spread awareness, share real-time videos of police violence, and mobilize global protests. Hashtags like #BlackLivesMatter and #GeorgeFloyd trended globally, creating solidarity. Live-streaming protests and police actions on platforms like Facebook and Instagram helped fuel momentum and media coverage. TikTok creators contributed by sharing educational content about systemic racism and police brutality. -
GameStop Stock Surge (Reddit/WallStreetBets)
Social Media Used: Reddit, Twitter, YouTube, Discord Tactics: A group of retail investors on Reddit initiated a short squeeze on GameStop stock, driving its price up dramatically to challenge large hedge funds that were shorting the stock. Reddit was the primary platform for organizing and coordinating the investment strategy, while Twitter and Discord served to amplify the message and recruit more investors. YouTube creators provided tutorials and live commentary on the market situation. -
U.S. Capitol Insurrection
Primary Social Media Used: Parler, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube Tactics: Social media was used by extremist groups to organize and incite violence. Parler, a platform popular among far-right users, saw high activity leading up to the riot. Twitter and Facebook posts spread false claims of election fraud, leading to radicalization. Live-streaming and video-sharing on YouTube allowed rioters to broadcast the event in real-time, drawing attention and responses from both supporters and critics. -
Russian Invasion of Ukraine
Primary Social Media Used: Telegram, Twitter, TikTok, YouTube Tactics: Telegram is used by both Ukrainian and Russian forces to share updates and propaganda. TikTok users, including civilians and soldiers, document life in war zones, and these videos often go viral, raising global awareness. Twitter has been instrumental for sharing updates, fundraising for humanitarian aid, and exposing disinformation campaigns by Russia. -
Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
Social Media: Instagram, X, and TikTok Tactics: Social media has been pivotal in sharing real-time footage and news updates from both Israel and Gaza. Instagram and Twitter users posted videos of airstrikes, human suffering, and personal accounts of life in conflict zones. Telegram was used by militant groups to spread messages and updates. TikTok became a platform for young people to share and amplify messages of solidarity, as well as for the dissemination of propaganda and misinformation.