Can Twitter enrich the state?

Abstract

This thesis examines the effects of Twitter storms on both the individual and the rule of law. In order to examine the impact of these storms on individuals, relevant examples like the story of Justine Sacco and the #Me-too discussion are reviewed. When individuals become the object of a Twitter storm, a viral discussion with far going consequences for the user(s) of the platform, their rights are violated. Light is shed upon how this can happen online. Next to individual users, this thesis will argue that the rule of law is hurt by Twitter storms as well. The rule of law is described as a set of values that represent the ideal of a state that shelters its’ citizens from tyranny and abuse. Twitter storms both benefit and threaten this set of values. Arguments will be made about democracy, fairness and accountability.