Publicity and Revolution

A revolution by definition is a violent political and social change, often times accompanied by propaganda in order to incite the people to join the cause. Because of its inherent social qualities, it makes sense that nowadays, in the era of information, social media is used to promote revolutionary ideals. This was true both in the case of the student movement in Chile and ISIS in the middle east, as extreme as both examples may seem.

Two years ago, in the New York Times, an article talking about Camila Vallejo (the leader of the mobilization in Chile) was published, highlighting mostly how good-looking she is and even calling her  "the world's most glamorous revolutionary." As indignant as it may seem that a intelligent woman is once again reduced to her appearance, it is true that her good looks have helped Camila popularize the student mobilization. Her charisma, green eyes, and characteristic nose ring managed to awaken an entire country's revolutionary feelings, not only with regards to education, but also in other pressing matters such as Hydroaysén, a hydroelectric plant that was supposed to be installed in the south of Chile.
Social media was crucial when spreading the image of the young revolutionary, marches and "cacerolazos" were organized through Facebook, her opinion along with that of hundreds of others were spread through platforms like twitter, until there was no one in Chile who could say they hadn't heard about a girl named Camila Vallejo.
Even though in comparison to ISIS these protests were pacific, the presence of violence particularly towards the end of the marches was undeniable. Fourteen year-olds where gassed with tear gas and arrested, often just because they didn't leave before the "encapuchados" came out and started causing havoc.
Meanwhile, in the Middle East, jihadists from ISIS are also taking advantage of the widespread of social media. So far, four journalists have been murdered on tape. Anyone  with an internet connection can search ISIS on google, and a beheading is sure to be one of the first thing to show up. The way the Islamic State has managed its public affairs and spread their message is the proof that no publicity is bad publicity. And this negative public image is not all of it.
Vice news, in their documentary about the Islamic State, walk around the Syrian border with a sort of "public manager" who was in charge of handling the external image that is given of the IS. This appearance is the one that attracts new members, especially young children, nine year olds who vow to kill infidels and establish a muslim caliphate because they have been brainwashed by an incessant flow of media supporting those ideals.
Clearly the student mobilization has made a much more positive use of social media in order to spread their ideals, but there is no doubt that in both revolutions this form of communication has had a decisive role in the successful diffusion of revolutionary ideals.