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COVID-19
COVID is the biggest disruption I can think of in the last 5 years. It shut the entire world down for 1-2 years, spanning from 2020-2022, and we still see effects today. It has changed the way we do things. Social Media played a large role, because it was our only source of communication with anyone for a ong time. Due to lockdowns and quarantines, if you wanted to keep up with those you loved and current news social media was cirical. Primarily X, Instagram, and Facebook from my experience. -
Canadian Freedom Convoy
Platforms: Facebook, YouTube, Telegram Tactics: Viral live streams of truckers, Facebook groups organizing blockades, donation drives via GoFundMe and crypto, spread of anti-mandate narratives. Disruption: Blockades disrupted trade and cities across Canada; raised concerns about online radicalization and platform responsibility. -
Pro-Palestinian Campus Protests and Crackdown
Platform(s): TikTok, Instagram, X , YouTube Tactics: Viral protest footage from U.S. universities, using several hashtags like #FreePalestine, livestreams of police crackdowns, posts from student organizers, debates over free speech vs. antisemitism, influencer commentary fueling national attention. Disruption: Dozens of campus occupations across major U.S. colleges, massive online debate and division, Social media turned local protests into global awareness movements. -
French Pension Reform Protests
Platform: TikTok, Twitter, Instagram Tactics: Protest videos going viral (clashes, garbage piling in Paris), youth organizing via group chats and TikTok, use of satirical memes targeting Macron. Disruption: National strikes and riots; social media amplified anger among younger generations and boosted turnout. -
2024 Election, Deepfakes and Misinformation
Platform: TikTok, X, YouTube, Facebook Tactics: Viral AI-generated videos of candidates, misinformation campaigns, deepfakes spreading false claims, hashtag trends like #ElectionFraud2024 or #ProtectTheVote, rapid fact-checking battles by independent orgs. Disruption: Public confusion over what content was real or AI-altered, increased distrust in electoral results, social media companies under fire for slow moderation responses. Influencers and bots amplified divisive narratives.