When a Dictator Goes Online

Author: Elena Rodina

Date: February 8, 2018

Link: https://www.digitalethics.org/essays/when-dictator-goes-online-0

First Impression: Upon reading the title, I think the essay talks about how politicians utilize social media platforms to communicate with different people showing how they are able to support these people through the use of social media.

Quote: “Kadyrov’s story demonstrates how technological progress and the development of the new media can not only serve political progress, but might also be useful to the politicians whose ruling style belongs more to the Middle Ages than to the 21st century.”

Reflection:

Social Media is being used as a platform not only for connecting people, but for distribution of news and information, and sometimes for personal use. Nowadays, politicians such as the Mayor of the City of Manila, Mayor Isko Moreno, really utilizes these platforms for a faster way of getting his orders and news out. Actions from these kinds of people have positive effects to the current generation of the society. When a politician, masters the use of social media as a platform for communication with their people. It will be efficient the people, since the politician can give his orders online, and people could just follow his social media to get any notifications or updates about the rules of a politician. People could also see politicians' life outside of politics.I think that there are two sides to a politician having a social media account, A positive factor would be communication. With social media, these politicians can have a better connection with their people, knowing what aspects they need to improve on and what it is they are doing wrong. There are instances where-in politicians can help people who are in need through social media, one example would be addressing people’s problems in comment sections. They are also able to utilize the use of messaging applications provided by these platforms for a faster and efficient way of letting their colleagues know if they will be attending the scheduled meeting or not. A negative factor would be the chances of politicians accounts being hacked and used for immoral purposes such as leaking information, spread of fake news, and many more. In conclusion, when using social media one should be careful of the information that he/she shares online to avoid being misinterpreted by people.

5 Things I Learned

1. I learned that when a politician creates a social media account, communication with people is efficient.

2. I learned that mastering the use of social networking could help improve a civilization.

3. I learned that Kadyrov’s social media accounts were blocked due to being targeted for personal sanctions under the US Magnitsky Act

4. I learned that there are some politicians that utilize social media for personal reasons.

5. I learned that politicians sometimes use social media as a platform for helping those who are in need through the comment section.

5 Integrative Questions

1. What rule did Kadyrov violate that got him banned from using social media?

2. How can one master the art of social networking?

3. Did the US Government detect any malicious information in Kadyrov’s social media accounts?

4. Should politicians using social media for communication with people and for personal use, be applied to the Philippines?

5. Should politicians migrate to a modern way of communication, by using online platforms, from the traditional way, which is through television, in the 21st Century?