Tactics: Protestors used encrypted messaging apps like Telegram to organize demonstrations while avoiding surveillance. Social media exposed police brutality and helped gain international support.
Black Lives Matter Movement (Following George Floyd's Death)
Primary media used: Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok
Tactics: Viral spreading of police brutality footage, hashtags (#BLM, #ACAB, #DefundThePolice), requests for fundraising support for protestors and victims.
COVID-19 Misinformation Crisis
Primary media used: Facebook, Twitter, TikTok
Tactics: Conspiracy theories and rampant spread of false information regarding the virus and vaccines (i.e. 5G causing the virus, fake cures/treatment methods, government "microchipping")
January 6th Capitol Attack
Primary media used: Parler, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Telegram
Tactics: Coordinated efforts to recruit and organize the attack, spreading misinformation about election fraud, Parler and Facebook groups used to plan actions, livestreams amplified the event.
OpenAI Copyright Lawsuits and AI Ethics Backlash
Primary media used: Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn Mastodon
Tactics: Artists, writers, animators, and activists used social media to protest against AI-Generated content and OpenAI's data scraping practices. Hashtags and coordinated strikes and campaigns pressured companies to address concerns over ethical AI use.
