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
