Wednesday 25 December 2013

The Digital Revolution


Click, Click, Like, Click.. it is so simple to join and support a cause. It feels like we have contributed to something important and helped to make a change and fight for whats right. But by doing this has it resulted in any significant change in society? A word that comes to mind is 'slacktivist' which is a new word to my vocabulary but basically it is somebody who clicks, likes or re-tweets an issue to make them feel like they are actively involved in making a change and fighting for a cause (Davis, 2011).

This relates to digital activism which is a revolution of campaigning. Activism refers to the collective struggle for political and social change by using methods outside of routine processes (Joyce, 2013).  The main elements and appeal of digital activism is that people have the ability to do things online that they would not normally do in person. Especially in countries or repressive societies where it is dangerous for them to take action in real life. They are able to support a cause online and they have a sense of evasion and anonymity.



Digital activism also appeals to general society as many people feel they do not have the time to attend campaigns or participate in activities related to certain issues. With digital activism they can sign a petition online and can share pages with their friends and family, making more people aware. They are able to do this on their own time. It allows people to take social and political action in front of their computers.




Digital activism is non violent and provides the feeling of safety and security but still provides people of society with a voice to fight for what they think is right. Digital activism rarely involves hackers, however there has been cases of eCulture Jamming and adbusting.

Although people can feel a sense of involvement by actively participating in online forums and campaigns, the future of digital activism will be a combination of online tools and offline tools (Joyce, 2013)

A few examples of digital activism includes Kony 2012 and the Egyptian riots in Arab Springs. Also if you get a chance, click here to view some more examples that are quite interesting.

Signing out for now, See you next week! KM
References
Davis, J (2011) Cause Marketing: Moving Beyond Corporate Slacktivism, viewed 17th December 2013

 Joyce, M (2013) The future isn't digital its hybrid, http://digital-activism.org/2013/07/the-future-isnt-digital-its-hybrid/ viewed 17th December 2013
Joyce, M (2011)  http://www.meta-activism.org/2011/08/complex-and-contradictory-a-new-way-to-think-of-digital-technologys-effects/, viewed 18th December 2013

 Piekut, K (2013) Examples of Digital activism using art and digital to fight a cause,  http://econsultancy.com/au/blog/63220-four-examples-of-digital-activism-using-art-and-digital-to-fight-a-cause, viewed 18th December 2013
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5 comments:

  1. Unknown8 January 2014 at 14:50

    I enjoyed your blog Kristy, have to agree I really like the reference to "slacktivist" also ! It does almost seem to easy to like, share, comment on a campaign & instantly feeling as though you have contributed to something much larger.. i would say this is the success of social media.
    Really easy to read and great content.
    Cheers Daniela

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Unknown12 January 2014 at 23:41

      Thanks Daniela! I am glad it was easy to read as sometimes when I am writing blogs I think OMG, does this make sense. But glad you could follow it easily. Thanks for your feedback!

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  2. Unknown12 January 2014 at 23:40

    Hi Kate,

    Thanks for your feedback. I will try and incorporate this humour into my next blog!
    I am unsure as to whether Kony was a success or failure. If we consider Joyces model, she would say that it was both a success and a failure as digital activism promotes positive and negative actions in people.

    Cheers! XD

    ReplyDelete
  3. Unknown12 January 2014 at 23:40

    Hi Kate,

    Thanks for your feedback. I will try and incorporate this humour into my next blog!
    I am unsure as to whether Kony was a success or failure. If we consider Joyces model, she would say that it was both a success and a failure as digital activism promotes positive and negative actions in people.

    Cheers! XD

    ReplyDelete
  4. Unknown14 January 2014 at 16:46

    Kristy,
    I found this post to be very clear and informative. Great use sources as examples of digital activism and images to support your ideas.

    I think your post is clear in your main focus being that digital activism is easily assessable and time effective, hence allowing individuals opportunity to be involved in activism and campaigning, whereby without this online activism it would not be possible for them to participate. I think you present a very valid point/question of does this type of campaigning result in any significant change? I think through my research, yes, sometimes it does and other times not. I think this largely depends on networks, the amount of passion and structure that is involved. There is evidence, as you have shown of collective action that has been largely organised through digital and online media. Overall, well done!

    ReplyDelete

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