By Lipi Mehta:
Millions of Twitter users woke up to the hashtag #LoveTwitter trending at no. 1 today, marking the social networking site’s 10th anniversary. Twitter also put out a video commemorating some of its most memorable moments and thanking its users. Hundreds across the globe were wishing Twitter a happy birthday, citing reasons for why they love the platform and how it has helped in various ways.
From making politicians more accountable to giving everyday heroes a voice; from starting global conversations on critical issues and shutting down patriarchy, homophobia and other social realities we can’t ignore, indeed, Twitter has a unique place in a world where attention spans don’t last more than a few seconds. In recent times, some of the most iconic global campaigns and movements have also started or picked up steam because of Twitter. The platform has consistently created social change and raised a cry for equal rights.
To celebrate Twitter’s 10th birthday, we decided to put together some of the most iconic Twitter moments ever that not many people actually know about. Take a look – we’re sure you’ll be amazed!
1. Citizen journalism FTW: When 23-year-old Janis Krums tweeted a photo of U.S. Airways Flight 1549 that had “touched down” in the Hudson River, making it one of the most iconic instances of Twitter being used as a breaking news platform.
2. #LoveWins: When the US Supreme Court legalised same-sex marriage in all 50 states of America and Twitter users across the world celebrated. This was also one of the most retweeted Tweets of 2015.
Today is a big step in our march toward equality. Gay and lesbian couples now have the right to marry, just like anyone else. #LoveWins
— President Obama (@POTUS44) June 26, 2015
3. 2008 Mumbai terror attack: One of the first instances where Twitter was used in India on a massive scale to share breaking news updates and first-hand accounts.
Just in – Mumbai attacked..hotels like TAJ, Oberoi, firing reported, several blast.AK-47 apparently being used…whats happ in the world !!!
— Anirudh B Balotiaa (@anirudhbb) November 26, 2008
Mumbai terrorists are asking Hotel Reception for room #s of American citizens and holding them hostage on one floor
— dupree (@dupree_) November 26, 2008
4. When Sohaib Athar unknowingly live-tweeted the raid that killed terrorist Osama Bin Laden.
Helicopter hovering above Abbottabad at 1AM (is a rare event).
— Sohaib Athar (@ReallyVirtual) May 1, 2011
5. ‘This Revolution Was Tweeted’: The Arab Spring became the first uprising to be aided extensively by social media, with millions raising their voice on Twitter. Internet activist Wael Ghonim sent this now-famous Tweet after his release from jail, and Hosni Mubarak’s resignation as President of Egypt.
https://twitter.com/Ghonim/status/36102073128853504
6. When the Ferguson Protests garnered global support through the hashtag #BlackLivesMatter, the first time a social media campaign broke the silence around violence against black people by law enforcement agencies.
Powerful: Ferguson Protest Image Perfectly Sums Up The Evolution Of Racism In The United States #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/c1ExFe96wu
— 🤟🏾Kate✝👩🏾🏈🐘🅰️🌊 (@Kate4Love) August 31, 2015
7. Help is available: When people left their personal interests and prejudices aside to come together during times of crisis.
Paris Attacks: Citizens used the hashtag #PorteOuverte or ‘Open Door’ to provide a safe shelter to those on the streets at the time of the terrorist attacks in Paris in November 2015.
My Friends are safe, in a random woman's home. She's making them dinner, & preparing beds. Blessed. #PorteOuverte
— T. Westfield • iHandleStuff® (@TWestfield) November 13, 2015
See more here: “City Of Love Is Heartbroken Today”: Social Media Reacts To #ParisAttacks
#ChennaiRains: When the city of Chennai was hit by the worst floods in a 100 years humanity kept the city afloat.
If you know families around Mylapore, Royapettah that need food, let us know. Me, husband and brothers ready to help.
— Chinmayi Sripaada (@Chinmayi) December 2, 2015
See more here: As Chennai Faces Worst Rainfall In 100 Years, Here’s How Social Media Is Helping
8. #ShoutYourAbortion: When women across the world spoke about their experiences of getting an abortion, embracing their decision and publicly battling the stigma around abortion. Many faced slurs, online abuse and criticism but the movement only grew wider with more women reclaiming their rights on their body.
my abortion gave me my life back..started my healing from rape. no regrets ,not one.#ShoutYourAbortion
— msmanet🎨🐾 (@msmanet) September 21, 2015
https://twitter.com/blanketboat/status/645803414224568320
No traumatic backstory: Didn't want kids. Couldn't afford kids. Contraceptive failure with casual bf. Not one regret. #ShoutYourAbortion
— Big Wet Dweeb (@Jomegsallan) September 21, 2015
9. The Tiananmen Square protests, 25 years later: Twitter user Patrick Chovanec spent months researching the hushed event and finally revealed what exactly happened on June 4th, 1989, on 4th June 2014.
10. Transparency and accountability: In India, Twitter is being used by politicians and ministries to cut the back channeling, speak one-on-one with citizens and provide help in diverse forms.
Here are two iconic examples, in External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu.
No need for thanks @SabahShawesh. It is our duty towards our country and countrymen. God bless your child – our young citizen.
— Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) April 6, 2015
See more instances here: 10 Times Sushma Swaraj Used Twitter Like A Boss And Helped Indians From Around The World
@RailMinIndia has been very active. Thanks to @sureshpprabhu.
Definitely lotsf Hope fr #Achhedin coming on way.. pic.twitter.com/8kRjMiO18N— Outsider – Dipendra Khati 🇮🇳 (@DipendraDipzo) December 22, 2015
See more instances here: 8 Instances That Prove The Incredible Work Done By The Railway Ministry, Via Twitter!