Final answer:
Social media is dubbed a "weapon of the weak" because it empowers those with fewer resources to broadcast their message widely, influencing social and political spheres. Its power is demonstrated by the success of various social movements and individuals. Yet, it also poses risks due to the potential spread of misinformation and its role in inciting violence.
Step-by-step explanation:
Social media are sometimes referred to as the "weapon of the weak" because they allow small groups with limited resources to send their message across the nation and even around the world. This empowerment is evident through various movements and individual actions that have achieved significant impact. For instance, McKenna Pope's petition for a gender-neutral Easy-Bake Oven and the viral spread of movements like MeToo and Black Lives Matter demonstrate how social media provides a platform for widespread change and political expression. Moreover, social media can subvert traditional media, offering a direct line of communication from political figures to the public, as seen with Sarah Palin's strategy of using various online channels to convey her message.
While social media democratizes information dissemination, it also creates an environment susceptible to the spread of misinformation. Social media's role in political events, such as the 2021 U.S. Capitol riot and the Brazilian election violence, highlights the potential for exacerbating or instigating unrest. Despite these risks, the unique power of social media lies in its ability to coordinate movements, share ideas, and influence societal and political landscapes more rapidly and dynamically than traditional media outlets.