Country Quote by Micheline Aharonian Marcom
“I began to firmly change my mind when I saw how young Egyptians used Facebook, for example, to begin to coalesce their social justice movement in their country. And a good Iranian friend of mine showed me how also in Iran, till the government shut it down, much was communicated via social media. So I'm not against. I use the internet regularly to do research. It's great but you have to use your discernment, especially if researching content.”
About This Quote
Social media can mobilize activism, but users must critically evaluate information and its sources.
In simple terms: Internet empowers activism, yet demands discernment.
Key Takeaway
Critical thinking is essential online.
Themes
digital media
activism
information literacy
Mood
cautious
thoughtful
Type
observational
advice
When to use this quote
- online organizing
- research projects
- fact‑checking workshops
Key Concepts
media influence
civic engagement
Practical Applications
- Cross‑verify claims before sharing
- Use reputable sources for research
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we improve digital literacy?
- What safeguards protect activist movements online?
A Different Perspective
Over‑reliance on platforms can still spread misinformation despite discernment.
![“[On the Internet and activism:] The danger of the Internet is cocooning with the like-minded online - of sending an email or twitter and confusing that with action - while the real corporate and military and government centers of power go right on. In a way, the highest purpose of the Internet is…” quote by Gloria Steinem](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/92c/gloria-steinem-277_action_on-the-internet-and-activism-the-danger_569335.jpg)
![“That country [Carthage] was rapidly sinking into the state of barbarism from whence it had been raised by the Phoenician colonies and Roman laws; and every step of intestine discord was marked by some deplorable victory of savage man over civilized society.” quote by Edward Gibbon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/70c/edward-gibbon-710_barbarism_that-country-carthage-was-rapidly-sinkin_393.jpg)
