Media Coverage

Countries use all types of mainstream media for public diplomacy efforts such as Radio, Television, Internet Websites and Publications. However, with the rapid increase of social media platforms, such as, blogs, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube, there is no denying the growing influence of social media. I think that social media alone is fitting as the new medium for public diplomacy. 

With the Egyptian revolution in early 2011, people were trying to overturn their government. Traditional media didn't do too much justice for the people. However, social media did promote democracy because it enabled a democratic message to be spread. It gave voice to those previously silenced by more traditional communication mediums and it connected people around the world to spread a message of democracy. This allowed people to voice their own opinions and thus increased pressure on governments. I  think social media, notably Facebook, emerged as the most powerful communication tools to mobilize and develop ideas. As played out, demonstrations in Egypt were greatly faciliated by the rapid mass communication made available through Facebook.