There is no doubt that revolutions have happened before in the history, however, now revolutions are faster and have greater means of spreading of information than ever before, with help from social networks. These innovative tools of social media have in many ways, reinvented social activism. With Facebook and Twitter, it has become exponentially easier for powerless individuals to collaborate, coordinate, and voice their concerns. But we must remember that social networks are the TOOLS for social activism, not the driving force behind them. Without the people, social networking would be nothing. Without someone actively collaborating with users and calling for people to act online, there would be no revolution.
Dan Schulz, writer of 'A DigiActive Introduction to Facebook Activism' (2008) said that “The social basis of activism explains why Facebook, an increasingly popular social networking site, is a natural companion for tech-savvy organizers. Because of the site’s massive user base and its free tools, Facebook is almost too attractive to pass up.” This can also be applied to Twitter, YouTube, blogs and websites used as a tool for global activism. But we also must recognise that Facebook was not designed to intentionally promote or organise activism.
In regards to this concept, I have come across a website named Change.org which was made for the purpose of online activism. It's slogan is pretty self explanatory: "Change.org is the web's leading platform for social change, empowering anyone, anywhere to start petitions that make a difference." It enables people to form communities around social issues (like global warming, human rights, sustainable food etc), start their own online petition and even promote it to other like-mided users. The website is supported by many of the largest nonprofit organisations in the world – including Amnesty International, Oxfam, and Greenpeace. Even the website's facebook page has thousands of followers - so the site obviously has massive support. I really feel that this is a perfect example of effective online activism, which clearly towers over the idea of a Facebook event page or a Twitter Feed...
I think that we really should be discussing the impact of these types of activism websites alongside (or before) the Facebook and Twitter revolution concept. Because really, Twitter is a way of following (or being followed by) people you may never have met. Facebook is a tool for keeping up with & managing your acquaintances. But websites like Change.org are where the real online-activism takes place. Where do you think the roles for social networks lie in regards to activism, in comparison to websites like Change.org? Do social networks have the power to not only spread the word, but to change things? Leave me your thoughts :)
Online Sources
http://www.change.org
http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2010/10/04/101004fa_fact_gladwell#ixzz1b0ezEMt7
http://ksocialmedia.com/?p=316
http://www.readwriteweb.com/archives/changeorg_social_network.php
Very informative and thought-provoking post Olivia. I was stressed about what to write this week but I think you've definitely brought up an interesting topic. Your statement; "social networks are the TOOLS for social activism, not the driving force behind them", is very correct. These tools were here for literally social networking reasons but we are now seeing this change. Democracy now plays a more important role in people's lives. I believe that people learn more when realising that social networks play a part in World News, and even topics close to home.
ReplyDeleteI think that the Change.org website is awesome. The media should maybe focus on that more and I am sure that it would get even more followers. Maybe it would even be more effective than Facebook, Twitter, etc. Your comment about Facebook as a tool for "keeping up with & managing your acquaintances" is accurate I think, but it's easy. Most everyone has an account and it is probably easier to hop on Facebook and spread the word than it is to go on other websites.
ReplyDeleteYou have some really great points in this blog Liv and the online sources are great. I think as Dimity mentioned that "social networks are the tool for social activism, not the driving force behind them" and I have also read a number of blogs which mention the same thing.
ReplyDeleteNew technology only allows for the information to travel faster and in mass forms as many years ago when social networks werent as popular or unavaliable social activisms still occured however old methods of communication were used.
Great post Liv!
Yes social networks have the power to change "things "so to speak but what things exactly. Social perceptions and to build awareness, we are in this day and age in a detached activism, it does not mean that it isn’t as powerful or has a lesser effect it is just done in a different way, in the 1970s our generation was searching for answers heralding a new age breaking free from the strong holds of conservatism. We were out on the streets painting out faces making signs and these days our passion is fuelled through our fingertips. Take for example the power of Australian youth Climate coalition with 10331 likes its a clear indication that passion can be achieved through a click of a button, anyone can click a like but a conscious decision has been made to physically click and support so to speak. Our activism is there, our passion is there its through our music and our online and social platforms and interaction weighing it up, its a positive thing.
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