Ep 7. Connecting The World

The Weekly season 1 episode 7, titled "Connecting The World," explores the impact of social media on global communication and its consequences on society. The episode delves into the story of Marielle Franco, a Brazilian politician and human rights activist who was assassinated in 2018. The investigation reveals how her death triggered a massive upheaval in Brazil and the role of social media in helping to mobilize public outrage.

The episode further looks into the story of an American journalist who was kidnapped and held hostage by Somali pirates for two and a half years. The journalist reveals the power of social media in enabling him to keep in touch with the outside world during his captivity. He describes how he secretly used a smuggled smartphone to stay connected with his loved ones, the media, and the outside world, eventually leading to his release.

The episode also features interviews with several experts, including social media scholars, journalists, and human rights activists, who share their opinions on the impact of social media on society. The experts discuss how social media has reshaped the way people communicate, the rise of fake news, and the impact of social media on global politics.

The episode concludes by examining the role of social media in the recent Hong Kong protests. The protests, which began in June 2019, were predominantly driven by social media. The episode explores how social media helped to mobilize people, spread information and images, and capture the attention of the world. The protests have become a global symbol of how social media can be used as a tool for change.

Overall, "Connecting The World" is a thought-provoking and engaging episode that explores the impact of social media on society. It provides a nuanced analysis of how social media has changed the way people communicate, connect, and mobilize, and how it can be a force for both good and bad. The episode sheds light on the complex nature of social media and its consequences, and prompts viewers to think more deeply about the role of technology in shaping our world.