How Social Media Shaped and Shifted: Activism in Egypt

The 2011 Egyptian uprisings were a defining moment in modern history, not just for their scale but for the way social media fueled the movement. Facebook and Twitter became digital battlegrounds where activists organized protests, shared real-time updates, and connected with the world. At the time, many believed that social media had the power to create lasting change, opening the doors to more freedom and democracy. But did it?

A recent study led by Mariam Alkazemi, Ph.D., from Virginia Commonwealth University, dives into how an influential Egyptian activist group’s use of Facebook evolved between the 2011 uprisings and the 2019 protests against President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi. The findings challenge the early optimism that social media would be a game-changer for democracy and press freedom.

From Citizen Journalism to Shifted Activism

Back in 2011, the April 6th Youth Movement, one of the biggest activist groups in Egypt, used Facebook as a tool for real-time reporting. They were essentially acting as citizen journalists, posting live videos and updates about protests, police actions, and sit-ins. At one point, the Egyptian government even blocked Facebook in an attempt to silence them.

Fast forward to 2019, and the group’s online presence had changed dramatically. While they were still active, they had shifted from on-the-ground reporting to broader activist messaging, focusing more on political demands and less on real-time updates. The frequency of their posts also dropped significantly, from 22 posts per day in 2011 to about one every other day in 2019.

The Egypt Government Strikes Back On Social Media

So, what happened? One major factor was the Egyptian government’s increasing control over social media. Between 2011 and 2019, Egypt tightened its grip on online spaces, restricting journalism and monitoring activist pages. As a result, many groups adapted their strategies to avoid direct censorship.

Interestingly, despite the drop in post frequency, the study found that engagement (likes and reactions) was actually higher in 2019 than in 2011. However, certain types of posts, like those calling for national unity or providing real-time protest information, became less common.

The Bigger Picture Shaped

This research sheds light on a bigger global trend: while social media has undeniably raised awareness of social issues, it hasn’t necessarily translated into long-term political or social freedom. The early 2010s were full of hope that digital platforms could lead to real change, but in many cases, governments have caught up, using these same platforms to control narratives, track activists, and suppress dissent.

For young people today, especially those passionate about activism and social change, this study is a reminder that technology is just a tool, it’s how people use it, and how they adapt to changing environments, that truly determines its impact.