One thing about the Syrian civil war against President Assad
is new. It's his use of social media sites to promote his view to his
people. This is the first all out attempt by a dictator to manipulate
the population by using web sites that are social meeting places. Assad
is turning to the trendy, popular photo sharing service called
'Instagram' in the latest attempt at improving his image as his country
fights over whether to overthrow Assad from rule. His propaganda team is
posting pictures of himself and his glamorous wife surrounded by
idolizing crowds.
It reminds me of the Hitler propaganda crew that, mostly successfully, did the same kind of thing in the 30's. Hitler was portrayed as something far different from what he was and was successful at manipulating public opinion in Germany. In Asasad's case, he has a medium that Hitler would have killed for (Ok, Hitler killed for practically anything). With Ingstram and other social media sites the modern dictator has a powerful and immediate way to manipulate public opinion. For example, recent postings photos show a smiling Assad among supporters, or grimly visiting wounded Syrians in the hospital who were mangled by what is suggest is the evil opposition forces. He is seen working in his office in Damascus, an Apple computer and iPad on his desk. His wife, Asma, who has stayed largely out of sight throughout the civil war is features heavily in the photos, casually dressed and surrounded by adoring Syrian children and their mothers.
Yes, it is blatant and simple minded, but so is many of the populace who live in Syria. Civil wars like the one in Syria are common and, regardless of who wins, usually change nothing. But the effect of a dictator using on line propaganda against the opposition is something to note. Will this work or not, and, if so, will other dictatorships increase their own use of on line propaganda? Assad's use of the social media is in stark contrast to the methods of other dictators at the center of Arab Spring revolts. While the ousted Egyptian and Libyan leaders relied on antiquated methods such as state-run media to transmit stilted propaganda, Assad learned from their mistakes and has increasingly relied on social media to project an image of confidence to the world. It has helped him greatly.
Assad not only promotes the illusion that life is good and normal in Syria under his rule on social media suites, he has tied the same message into state run TV and print media inside the country, a nice assimilation of the propaganda. It may not fool everyone in Syria, but it is bound to convince a significant portion of Syria that Assad may be better than what the alternative rebels offer. And that may make the next dictatorship a little more safe from rebels who want to overthrow it.
It reminds me of the Hitler propaganda crew that, mostly successfully, did the same kind of thing in the 30's. Hitler was portrayed as something far different from what he was and was successful at manipulating public opinion in Germany. In Asasad's case, he has a medium that Hitler would have killed for (Ok, Hitler killed for practically anything). With Ingstram and other social media sites the modern dictator has a powerful and immediate way to manipulate public opinion. For example, recent postings photos show a smiling Assad among supporters, or grimly visiting wounded Syrians in the hospital who were mangled by what is suggest is the evil opposition forces. He is seen working in his office in Damascus, an Apple computer and iPad on his desk. His wife, Asma, who has stayed largely out of sight throughout the civil war is features heavily in the photos, casually dressed and surrounded by adoring Syrian children and their mothers.
Yes, it is blatant and simple minded, but so is many of the populace who live in Syria. Civil wars like the one in Syria are common and, regardless of who wins, usually change nothing. But the effect of a dictator using on line propaganda against the opposition is something to note. Will this work or not, and, if so, will other dictatorships increase their own use of on line propaganda? Assad's use of the social media is in stark contrast to the methods of other dictators at the center of Arab Spring revolts. While the ousted Egyptian and Libyan leaders relied on antiquated methods such as state-run media to transmit stilted propaganda, Assad learned from their mistakes and has increasingly relied on social media to project an image of confidence to the world. It has helped him greatly.
Assad not only promotes the illusion that life is good and normal in Syria under his rule on social media suites, he has tied the same message into state run TV and print media inside the country, a nice assimilation of the propaganda. It may not fool everyone in Syria, but it is bound to convince a significant portion of Syria that Assad may be better than what the alternative rebels offer. And that may make the next dictatorship a little more safe from rebels who want to overthrow it.
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