Social and Political Change with Social Media

The case Cameroon Prof Victor van Reijswoud PhD - MIS4D.com

victor@mis4d.com - +237 7363 7111

It is possible - the Arab Spring

What is the role of social media?

1. First, social media played a central role in shaping political debates in the Arab Spring.

2. Second, a spike in online revolutionary conversations often preceded major events on the ground.

3. Third, social media helped spread democratic ideas across international borders.

Howard, Philip N et al. "Opening closed regimes: what was the role of social media during the Arab Spring?." (2011).

What are we talking about?

There is more!

Friedrich Ebert Foundation - YDE

To promote political and societal education of people from all walks of life in the spirit of democracy and pluralism

Social Democratic

traditionHQ in Germany

Office in Yaounde

Research Cameroon

1. Review of the current statusa. Blog and bloggersb. LinkedIn groups c. Facebook communitiesd. Twitter landscape in YDE and Douala

2. Interviews with key players3. Explorative stakeholder workshop - mid March4. Report in the way forward

Access to internet is needed

Or mobile

We are not so big on Facebook

We like LinkedIn!Actual numbers

general penetration rate online population penetration rate

Cameroon 188.438 (0.98%)

(24.04%)

Nigeria1.313.941

(0.85%)(2.92%)

Top 20 of Twitter in Africa

Some need more words - blogging

Creator vs consumer

Cut the cables!

What is your social media strategy?