How Luther went viral
Five centuries before Facebook and the Arab spring, social media helped bring about the Reformation
IT IS a familiar-sounding tale: after decades of simmering discontent a new form of media gives opponents of an authoritarian regime a way to express their views, register their solidarity and co-ordinate their actions. The protesters' message spreads virally through social networks, making it impossible to suppress and highlighting the extent of public support for revolution. The combination of improved publishing technology and social networks is a catalyst for social change where previous efforts had failed.
This article appeared in the Christmas Specials section of the print edition under the headline “How Luther went viral”
Christmas Specials
December 17th 2011- How Luther went viral
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