Online Activism and Computer Mediated Communications

Abstract

The use of the internet by radical activists is a significant and growing aspect of e-activism, but has received little attention in the e-participation literature. This chapter aims to fill this gap by examining the use of computer mediated communications by radical groups in promoting their causes. The intrinsic nature of radical movements is such that their ideas cannot be disseminated through the mainstream media. Radical activists communicate through alternative media, of which internet has emerged as a significant source to mobilize as well as to disseminate. We focus on the internet use by two groups of radical activists: environmentalist and anti-globalisation groups. Since these groups have a radical agenda, they use the internet to circumvent government censorship. Beyond this, however, their uses of CMC are quite distinctive. Environmental activists were among the first to use the web as organizing and mobilizing tools. They promote their agenda through alternative forms of media which can easily be made available over the internet, e.g. magazines, booklets, flyers, leaflets, videos, and radio broadcast. Environmental activists also engage in several forms of cyberactivism, e.g. hacktivism. They actively participate in the e-rulemaking process by working to change policy. Anti-globalisation groups, on the other hand, primarily use independent media centers (Indymedia) to promote their cause. Independent media centers are versatile enough to be quickly established during a protest, allowing activists to mobilize interested parties quickly. Activists have also made effective use of e-mail listservs and the internet. However, anti-globalisation groups participate very little in the e-rulemaking process. Rather, these groups ultimately aim to do away with government control and corporate hegemony.