Online social movements

The Structure of Online Activism

“…On a societal level, social media create unprecedented opportunities for information flow (Sparrow, Liu, and Wegner 2011), affective expression (Golder and Macy 2011), social influence (Bond et al 2012), and apparently even democratic revolution (Allagui and Kuebler 2011). Although much has been written on the relationship between the Internet and the civic engagement of individuals and groups (Anduiza, Cantijoch, and Gallego 2009;Dahlgren 2009;Hara and Huang 2011), empirical studies of online activism are surprisingly scarce. Furthermore, these studies are largely limited to analyses of social movement website text and hyperlink data, on one hand (e.g., Ackland and O'Neil 2011;Lusher and Ackland 2011;Shumate 2012), or analyses of interview, survey, or "media ethnographic" data, on the other (e.g., Maireder and Schwarzenegger 2012;Nah, Veenstra, and Shah 2006;Pickerill 2001).…”

The Impact of Social Media Technologies on the Revolutions

“…Farinosi & Trere (2010) agree with Klerks (2001) and indicate that there needs to be some shared beliefs and solidarity, before justification can be made. Hara & Huang (2013) have similar ideas to Farinosi & Trere (2010) and Klerks (2001) but indicate that solidarity through "action-oriented", which refers to "meaning and validate" can inspire others to join the cause. Once the individuals have united within a common cause, then this can establish a justification for the activists (Actors) to carry out demonstrations and uprisings.…”

“…According to Garrent (2006) "ICT can alter a community", it has the capabilities of increasing protest activities in one location while issuing salience across a much broader area, through multiple devices, which is why, web-based technologies are challenging the conceptual thoughts of activists in the ways they think, communicate, unite, and bring together a show of strength (Hara & Huang 2013). Farinosi & Trere (2010) suggests that social movements continuously operate through a shifting world and those web-based technologies enable social activists to explore the best medium to get their message across.…”

“…The main goal of emotions is to indicate that people through grievances or passion have the power to seek social change and alter the relations of power and with the low cost of technologies, protesters only need a few people at first and with aid of global media can soon create a collective movement to get their voice heard (Hara & Huang 2013). Hall (2007) indicates that not all activists can construct a rational argument; or create a clear form of communication that is formal, orderly, and contained that can challenge democracy through the use of altruism, compassion, or moral sentiment to motivate and enable people to work together in hopes of improving the lives of all.…”

“…Hara & Huang (2013) suggest that using this approach, individuals can quickly coordinate local and international protests as seen in the ME. Benford and Snow (2000, p12) suggest, "Hypothetically, the more central or salient the espoused beliefs, ideas, and values of a movement to the targets of mobilization, the greater the probability of their mobilization" This shows that activists can quickly merge upon areas that would not of been previously covered and converge with other fractions to demonstrate their emotions, beliefs, and disloyalty to rally additional support to gain momentum within the protest.…”