Revolution in Cyberspace: Social Networking in Iran

Technology is becoming a way of life in Iran. Web 2.0 technologies have revolutionized the way Iranian youth are interacting with each other and the rest of the world. Consider what you have read thus far in Children of Jihad and take some time to watch Jared Cohen's interview on the BBC morning show. Also take into account the role technology played in the 2009 election protests and the green movement as highlighted in the Newshour special on the Iranian protesters use of social media websites and Al Jazeera's piece on Iran's internet revolution. Finally consider Iran's most recent crackdown on the internet with the creation of their new "cyber army".

In light of Iran's most recent crackdown on the internet, do you think youth will be able to circumvent restrictions and continue to use technology to communicate with eachother and the otuside world? What role will technology (specifically social networking programs) in the hands of Iranian youth play in changing perspectives and policy in Iran and the world at large? How does their use of technology and Iran's attempts at controling the internet affect your own view of internet use and internet freedom?

Post your response in your own blog.