September: Online conference "Facebook Revolution?"

"Thank you, Facebook!" Demonstrators in Cairo had written on banners and walls. No doubt Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and other social media platforms played an important role during the protests in the Arab world. Such networking "from grass roots level", widespread access to information and the simple and rapid dissemination of news and one's position had been unthinkable in such a way by using traditional media only.



On the other hand, activists and observers say, revolutions are still made by people, rather than by the media. "It was much more a revolution of the feet than one of social networks ", says Basem Fathy, a blogger from Cairo. After all, one must not forget that social media services are not only susceptible to manipulation, but in the hands of authoritarian regimes they represent a powerful control and monitoring tool.

Nine months after the beginning of the Arab Spring the online conference "Facebook Revolution?" the Virtual Academy tries to take stock (September 19 - 30). What is the role each of the media has played in the transition process in Arab countries? Do they promote democracy, freedom of expression and free access to information? Do they bring about a new diversity of opinions and media? Is the role of social media being overestimated or possibly assessed even dangerously wrong?

Bloggers from Egypt, Algeria, Bahrain, Jordan, Morocco and Syria will speak about their activities and motivations. In addition, international experts will be available for discussion. Among others, Ethan Zuckerman, director of the MITCenter for Civic Media and founder of Global Voices, and Markus Loening, German Federal Government Commissioner for Human Rights and Humanitarian Aid, agreed to participate.

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