Palestinian Youth and Political Activism: The Emerging Internet Culture and New Modes of Resistance

Abstract

The information technology revolution and the introduction of the Internet in the last decade have transformed the life of individuals and groups across the globe. One unique example of the remarkable impact of this new medium on the life of a marginalised society is the impact of the Internet on the life of Palestinians. The author demonstrates that, since the outbreak of the second Palestinian Intifada on 28 September 2000, and the drop of the average income of Palestinian households living in the 1967 Palestinian territories, a sharp increase in the number of Palestinian Internet users, especially youths, has been reported through connectivity in schools, universities and cafes. In universities, a method of instruction has been developed to maintain higher education, since students frequently cannot reach the campus due to conditions of siege. The author also argues that, due to the pertinent socio-political conditions of Palestinian youths and students under occupation, the Internet now acts as a medium between teachers and students, as well as a tool for intense politicisation and cyber-resistance. With constant Internet access possible for over 25% of the Palestinian population, a new youth culture has emerged amongst Palestinians, in particular at schools and universities. By organising relations between teachers, students and the youth in general, as well as with various sectors of the Palestinian population, the Internet now acts as a broad and collective front for national peaceful political resistance, and is one of the most central elements of everyday life. It is to be noted that this phenomenon should be seen in the specific socio-political, economic and cultural context of the Palestinians, unconnected to the introduction of the Internet in the broader Arab world. It should also be noted that, as a result, Palestinians are now the largest group of users of the Internet in the Arab world.