I found a very interesting and at the same time a rather sad article regarding information technology being used in Mexico. As we all know, Mexico has become rather violent recently with gangs fighting back and forth especially drug cartels. This surge of violence has captured the world's attention with the amount of homicides being committed and the involvement of innocent victims either caught in the crossfire or tourists becoming trapped at their vacation destinations basically "held hostage" too scared to emerge with the possibility of becoming harmed.
This particular article I found involves a town called Reynosa which is synonymous with Mexico's drug war. It lies on the border of Texas and is the site of gunbattles recurring daily. With authorities pretty much non-existent everybody takes their lives in their hands everyday by just stepping outside onto the streets. Frustrated by the lack of response by authorities and officials who are concerned about protecting the state's image the townspeople have turned to outlets such as twitter, youtube and facebook to relay important information.
Twitter is being used to constantly relay the positions of people and to protect themselves as citizens. It is vital to be able to access crucial information about potential gun-fights that are taking place and ensuring the safety of others. The "green revolution" in Iran was sparked with the use of twitter and thus the idea was mirrored down in Mexico. Youtube videos are being posted to express the dissatisfaction the Mexican people have with the officials. Facebook is being used to organize demonstrations and rallys almost spontaneously.
Ben Parr a particular social media expert commented on just how successful the twitter idea was down in Mexico with over 5,000 followers able to easily announce where the cartels are operating. He was quoted as saying, "This really shows how far-ranging the use of social media goes and how quickly information can spread".
I think it just goes to show you how those that are well-informed are able to make better decisions and it is inspiring to see common citizens take the issue into their own hands after being fed up with the government. In a world that we live in with technology accessible at every turn it comes as no shock to me that people have resorted to using the internet for such means. It just is sad that in America we use Twitter for people to follow us and allow them to know what we are doing and just south of the border people are using the same website to stay alive and relay information. Regardless the internet is a vital resource and just seeing it be used in so many different ways is impressive.
I know that the drug war down there has calmed down substantially with a pretty large crackdown by the government but I do hope that Twitter will be able to be used for its intended purpose sooner than later. Its amazing to see the human power and will to stand up and take action when not satisfied with current situations. I guess it is true that where there is a will there is a way!
http://www.cnn.com/2010/TECH/03/08/mexico.crime.social.media/index.html?npt=NP1
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
This article gave interest to me because I didn't know that citizens in Mexico were using the popular social networking sites to relay information to each other for safety. I think it's a great way for them to communicate with each other while being able to stay in the safety of their homes. It's unbelievable how fast information can travel through the sites. If someone were to change their status on facebook about where a gun battle was occuring or something, people could see that instantly and keep themselves out of harms way. In addition, the people of Mexico will be able to stay up-to-date with everything thats going on with their country. It's just another great way that IT can help people.
ReplyDeleteI believe the main issue here is the lack of authority figures and security officers to secure the lives of these people. Because of grace danger to both themselves and the innocent victims, I think it's great that people have begun to face the problem. Through social networking sites, they have been able to take monutmental fights in combating these gangs. I personally believe this source information technology will increase throughout Mexico, and more and more people will be saved every day.
ReplyDeleteI think it's awesome that the people of Mexico are being given a voice through these social networking sites. It's sad that it has come to this and that the government is so weak in Mexico. Hopefully this will provoke other governments to help the victims in Mexico that the Mexican government is neglecting. It's nice to see that social networking sites like Twitter aren't only used to hear the thoughts of celebrities and what they are doing. It is actually helping save lives, which is impressive.
ReplyDeleteThis is an interesting twist on modern day technology. With the speed of information constantly increasing those of us who are separate from a daily struggle to survive use this resource as a means of entertainment. For example, the new iPad just came out and you can just imagine the difference in uses between a place like here to those who would use it there. However, on the bright side there is a positive that there are services out there that can provide a means of easily transporting vital information.
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing how far the use of social networking sites have gone. First, it is used for simply social networking, then becomes used for advertising purposes, and now it is being used to take action in serious matters. Social networking is now being used to make big changes in society. I witness this first hand through my facebook account. Many people invite me to join organizations that support good causes, like Relay For Life, etc. Networking in Mexico is taking this to a higher level involving issues against the government. It's interesting to see the power that numbers have through social networking sites like facebook and twitter because so many people use them these days.
ReplyDelete