Transformation of Protests in the 21st Century

In recent times, the power of protests as a political instrument has become quite evident. That being said are protests the same as they were in the early 18th century? If not what sort of changes has this instrument undergone. Have these changes bettered the manner in which protests are conducted or have they placed an unbearable burden of violent escalation on all those who seek to use this tool? It is in the answers to these questions that we shall become capable of truly realizing the potential of protests and similar unrests as an instrument for change.