Privacy, Politics, and Protests: Social Media's Effects around the World

Join a discussion on the role social media has played in privacy, politics, and protests around the world, and how the role of these digital spaces has changed since their advent up to the present day.

About the Event

Social media has completely shaped the way individuals, businesses, and even governments function in the world. In the span of 15 years, platforms like Facebook and Twitter have gone from niche online communities to nearly inescapable presences in our everyday lives.

With such rapid change, the world as we know it has had to adapt to the challenges that social media has presented—problems like privacy issues, the rampant spread of false information, and the sometimes jarring use by groups like ISIS.

At the same time, social media has allowed people to stay connected far easier than ever before. It’s allowed politicians to connect with constituents by opening up faster lines of communication. It’s also contributed to global awareness about movements, like the Arab Spring or Black Lives Matters, which might otherwise have not received widespread attention.

The World Affairs Council of Philadelphia invites you to join a discussion on the role social media has played in privacy, politics, and protests around the world, and how the role of these digital spaces has changed since their advent up to the present day.

About the Panelists

• James D. Barnette, Partner, Steptoe & Johnson LLP and senior registered lobbyist for Facebook
• Peter W. Singer, Strategist and Senior Fellow, New America and author of LikeWar: The Weaponization of Social Media