If the 1986 People Power Revolution in the Philippines had taken place in the era of social media platforms such as TikTok, X, Facebook, and Instagram, the movement might have gained broader visibility and international awareness.
The ability to share information rapidly and engage with a global audience could have influenced the way events unfolded.
Research from the University of Washington has highlighted the role of social media in shaping political discourse during movements such as the Arab Spring, where activists were able to communicate outside of traditional state-controlled media. Similarly, a report from History.com notes that digital platforms like Facebook and Twitter helped facilitate protests and raise awareness in Egypt, showing how online tools have played a role in modern political movements.
If social media had been present in 1986, individuals, including influencers and citizen journalists, might have contributed to documenting events in real time. An analysis by the European Institute of the Mediterranean points out that live streams, trending hashtags, and firsthand accounts were significant in spreading information during the Egyptian Revolution of 2011. A similar pattern could have emerged during the People Power Revolution, potentially bringing more attention to moments such as mass gatherings on EDSA, religious leaders intervening, and shifts within the military.
Hashtags such as #EDSA86, #PeoplePower, and #Laban might have gained traction, similar to how #Jan25 became associated with the Arab Spring. Symbols from the movement, such as the “Laban” (fight) hand gesture, could have seen widespread use across social media platforms. Online discourse, including satire and memes, might also have contributed to shaping public perception.
Public figures and influencers could have played a role in amplifying messages, as seen in modern political landscapes. Reports from CNN and CBS News discuss how social media has become a tool for engaging younger audiences, with political strategists recognizing its influence. A similar dynamic might have been observed during the People Power movement if digital platforms had been available at the time.
Social media could have introduced new dynamics to the People Power Revolution, potentially affecting how information was shared, how international audiences engaged with the movement, and how events unfolded on the ground.
