Electronic Internet Activism and Mobilization

The new forms political activism development forms mobilization of contemporary social movements over the Internet. The adopted repertoires the movements are a combination, on the one hand, the traditional stocks, such as institutional participation, through vote, and another variety of actions, such as protests, boycotts and direct action, and other online actions.

By contemporary social movements from the appropriation of new technologies information and communication: Protest movements have traditionally relied upon activities such as street theater, public demonstrations, and direct action to challenge Authorities. The Internet has altered this dynamic by electronically Promoting the diffusion of protest ideas and tactics quickly and efficiently across national borders. The Internet may serve multiple functions for all These organizations, including email lobbying of elected Representatives, public officials, and policy elites; networking with related associations and organizations; mobilizing organizers, activists, and members using action alerts, newsletters, and e-mails; raising funds and recruiting supporters; and communicating messages to the public via the traditional news medium. (...) In short, digital technologies Facilitate the network of networks, which shouldn’t be an environment where civic society and the public sphere flourish. 

The protest actions have gained strength since the 80s either through boycotts, demonstrations, raids, and many other creative ways developed by social movement organizations (OMSs) and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). In fact, the protest actions have become a means of political expression as fundamental as participation in political parties, voluntary associations and community organizations. The different forms of action developed by movements are the result of a cumulative historical process previously developed activities and that suited to the needs and constraints of each specific process that civil society organizations develop, whether financial constraints, organizational, political agenda, political repression level that can be subjects and technologies that may be appropriate.

Creativity is a key element in the mobilization process, as the as new constraints emerge, new forms of political action are developed, or, as new technological tools will develop, also new ways to act collectively are being articulated. Forms protest can be more easily arranged via the Internet (if part of involved have access to the network of course) but are unlikely to be replaced only by online actions. This means that there is no replacement process, but rather complementarity between the forms of protest.  Many traditional groups with a predominantly national focus have gone online to augment. Their offline strategies, by exploiting new ways to reach out to supporters and the average or put pressure on political elites. It seems clear that Internet is affecting the ways traditional group’s campaign. The net has spurred changes that allow groups to capitalize on its potential for recruitment, organizational flexibility, and efficiency. 

   By Mbogo Tausi

   BAPRM 42611