Abstract
The emergence of networked social movements in 2011 has opened a new door in the social movements’ literature. By adopting a technopolitical and situated approach, in this paper, we explore the case of the 15M movement three years after its formation in May 2011. Through an online survey and a nonprobabilistic sampling procedure, we pay special attention to the perceptions and opinions of the movement’s participants. We distinguish seven thematic sections: the relationship with the movement, previous political participation and motivations, the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs), the emotions experienced, the evolution of the movement, its influence on elections, and the impacts on several aspects of social life. The results show that the respondents (N=1320) are to a large extent adherent to the movement and largely prompted into action due to political issues. Also, they mostly believe that the movement remains alive yet in new forms, and perceived impacts on different areas, institutions, behaviours, and ideas. We conclude by describing 15M as a case that adequately fits the concept of a networked social movement. Finally, we suggest future steps in the understanding of these movements by further applying the online survey designed for this study and complementing analyses via other research methods.
Highlights
In 2011, networked protests emerged in Tunisia, Egypt, Greece, Portugal, Spain and the US
We focus on the 15M movement in its third anniversary, which depicts fundamental characteristics of the forms of collective action arising with the wave of networked social movements since 2011 (Castells, 2012), and displays a rich history of evolution (Monterde, 2015)
We present them in seven sections or blocks according to the specific research goals: the adherence of the sample participants to the movement, the previous organized political participation and motivations for participation, the forms of participation and technological means used, the reported emotional experiences, the perceived persistence or evolution of the movement, the influence of 15M on the upcoming European Parliament Elections of May 2014, and the perceived social and political impacts of the movement on areas and institutions
Summary
In 2011, networked protests emerged in Tunisia, Egypt, Greece, Portugal, Spain and the US. When compared with forerunners such as the alternative globalization movement (Juris, 2004), 15M exhibits an increase in the range and variety of participants’ networked practices, for example, viral campaigns on Facebook, activity coordination on Twitter, or protest live-streaming (Pérez & Gil, 2014). In line with these practices, Internet traffic in Spain increased by 17% from April to May 2011, and there was a 20% increase in smartphones’ data traffic (Monterde & Postill, 2014)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: UOC R&I Working Papers
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
