Photo: Ecns.cn
Social media is playing an exceptional role in the life of the Tibetans-in-exile community, enabling many people to reunite virtually with their kin in their homeland Tibet. Social networking has become a bridge between Tibetans in exile and in Tibet, and Tibetans have left almost no form of social networking untried. “My uncle left me in school….when I was just 12 years old. I have never been to Tibet since then but I am in touch with my relatives through social webpages. These online pages have deeply influenced my life,” said Gangkar, a student of Tibetan higher studies of Buddhism. Many, like Gangkar, are hoping to connect with their loved ones and this is the reason that most Tibetans in exile, including monks, kids and octogenarians, can be seen carrying classy tabs, iphones, etc, while dressed in their traditional costumes and robes.
In the past several years there has been a significant increase in the number of Tibetans, both in Tibet and in exile, embracing the social media world, not only for social interactions but also to voice their feelings on developments, and for communicating about campaigns. This was particularly relevant in 2008 during the mass demonstrations in Tibet when social media played an important role in the communication of information. Similarly, in exile, social media became an integral part of the campaign for the Tibetan elections in 2010 and 2011 that saw the election of a different leadership in the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA).
The CTA, and different Tibetan activists and NGOs (non government organisations) all use the internet to create international awareness. However, they have all experienced their online content blocked or hacked, and their email accounts attacked by “Chinese hackers”. Activists have complained that within Tibet and China, websites relating to the Tibetan community are immediately taken down and web searches using the words “freedom” and “Dalai Lama” blocked.
Every country has its own policy for social media. However, China’s policy is different: it is the most highly monitored, controlled and censored in the world. If the Chinese government decides that its people should not view a certain image, video, website, story or article, or anything else that may cause controversy, or an opinion that differs from the party line, it will be closed down.
There are some general drawbacks to the use of social media. Young people can sometimes get too involved, to the point where it distracts them from their career, objectives, schooling or colleges, and for Tibetans, from the preservation of our culture and traditions. However, social media now forms an integral part of the Tibetan struggle and we hope that it will make a significant contribution to achieving our goal: we shall overcome all the struggles someday.
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