Activism and Social Media: Youth Participation and Communication

Antonio Cortés-Ramos,Miguel Landa-Blanco,María Teresa Castilla Mesa,Juan Antonio Torrecilla García,Francisco Javier Poleo Gutiérrez

doi:10.3390/su131810485

Antonio Cortés-Ramos, Miguel Landa-Blanco + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/su131810485

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Abstract

Background: Digitalization and hyperconnectivity generate spaces for youth participation in social activism through social media platforms. The purpose of this research was to analyze young people’s online experience in social activism movements, including their preferences, themes, usage of language, and perceived impact. Methods: The research is framed within a qualitative interpretative–descriptive paradigm. Five focus groups were conducted, including 58 high school students from Malaga, Spain. Results: Several themes were identified through the coding process, including technological devices and social media preferences, participation in social movements or activism, perception of the degree of participation, the focus of interest, motivation for involvement, language use on social media, and beliefs. Conclusions: In a hyperconnected world, youth participation in social movements becomes more relevant. Their interest is reflected in the enormous potential that this social participation of young people has through networks and virtual platforms, becoming an informal communication model with characteristics to be an effective vehicle for social transformation.

Highlights

Given their social nature, human beings have a constant need for interacting, cooperating, and communicating with others to work towards the satisfaction of their multiple needs [1]
Based on the categories and subcategories involving youth social activism, the following eight themes are presented: (1) preferences related to online access, (2) preference of social media for social par
Base categories and subcategories involving youth social activism, the following eigh are presented: (1) preferences related to online access, (2) preference of social m social participation, (3) perception of the degree of participation, (4) social inte ticipation, (3) perception of the degree of participation, interests, (5) motivations motivations for involvement, (6) use(4)

Summary

Introduction

Human beings have a constant need for interacting, cooperating, and communicating with others to work towards the satisfaction of their multiple needs [1] In this context, activism can be understood as the diversity of behaviors that people exhibit within society and the aim to make problems of social interest visible. Activism can be understood as the diversity of behaviors that people exhibit within society and the aim to make problems of social interest visible Such actions are developed in-person or in digital environments through the internet. These forms of participation are interrelated, and not independent from each other, giving rise to the term “hybrid activism” characterized by the development of integrated actions in both online and offline platforms In this sense, the internet has amplified and enhanced the possibilities of social activism [2]. Hybrid activism opens up and interconnects powerful spaces fueling the engine of social change [4]

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