Social Media in Haiti – how much is it really helping

by admin on January 29, 2010

In the devastating aftermath of the earthquake in Haiti on 12 January, media outlets have been buzzing about the use of social media in the relief efforts.  Social media has revolutionized how people communicate with each other around the globe and has two main applications in disaster relief:

Spreading awareness and raising money
Facilitating innovative solutions to [...]

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The rise of online gaming in the Middle East

by admin on January 19, 2010

In keeping with this week’s theme of video games in the Middle East, it has become hard to ignore the browser-based game Travian.  This game is a massive multiplayer game where the user plays as one of three factions of people: the Romans, the Gauls, and the Teutons. Over 5 million people play Travian throughout [...]

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Iran’s nascent, government-controlled video game industry

by J. J. Tolochko on January 12, 2010

People the world over have become well acquainted with the Iranian government’s draconian censorship policies regarding domestic use of the internet.  In the wake of the country’s most recent elections, the international press heralded the use of Twitter to mobilize opposition to Iran’s authoritarian government.  Rightfully, a considerable amount of attention and analysis has since [...]

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