Digital Activities Research Articles

Tracing the History and Evolution of Dark Patterns on Twitter from 2010-2021

Designers’ use of deceptive and manipulative design practices have become increasingly ubiquitous, impacting users’ ability to make choices that respect their agency and autonomy. These practices have been popularly defined through the term “dark patterns” which has gained attention from designers, privacy scholars, and more recently, legal scholars and regulators. The increased interest in the concept of dark patterns across a range of practitioners and users motivated us to study the evolution of the concept and highlight the future trajectory of conversations around dark patterns and similar activist movements that utilize social computing platforms. In this paper, we examine the history and evolution of the Twitter discourse around #darkpatterns from its inception in June 2010 until April 2021, using a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods to describe how this discourse has changed over time. We frame these conversations through a new concept of socio-technical activism , whereby participants unite in order to identify and fight back against problematic technology and design practices. We discuss the potential future trajectories of this discourse and opportunities for further social computing scholarship at the intersection of design, policy, and online activism.

Net icons and memetic imagery of protest in online activism

Net icons and memetic imagery of protest in online activism

Combating Anti-Feminism and Building Strategies for Gender Equality

This study examines digital feminist media outlets in Brazil and France, exploring their strategies to promote gender equality and combat hate speech. Focusing on three outlets from each country, the research employs a multi-site ethnographic approach, including 63 in-depth interviews with content producers, support teams, and audiences. The findings reveal that discovering sexist and exclusionary sociopolitical structures often catalyzes engagement in feminist activism, with emotional responses—particularly anger and frustration—serving as primary drivers for action. Engagement in digital feminist spaces fosters collective exchange and creates connections extending beyond the digital sphere. The research highlights the complex interplay between digital platforms, feminist ideology, and grassroots activism in shaping contemporary gender equality movements, contributing to our understanding of how digital feminist media navigate online activism challenges while fostering community and driving social change.

Arab Feminist Cyber Activism

Abstract There is a need to situate current iterations of Arabic feminist cyber activism within the long history of feminist activism in the region and to read them as initiatives in/from the margin that adopt an intersectional approach with an explicit focus on indigenous decolonial knowledge. Some Arab feminist collectives active today are producing and enabling the production of distinctly indigenous articulations of feminism situated in opposition to what can be termed hegemonic feminism, embodied in international and non-governmental women’s organizations. I analyse these collectives’ works on two levels: the level of feminist positioning and the level of mediated activism. This article argues that these collectives’ interventions are authentic and of the region, embody resistance from the margin, as well as the ethos and politics of solidarity, particularly considering their positioning on Palestine, and they resist digital colonialism through abstaining from extractive media practices and adopting a redistributive ethos.

Improving recruitment and retention of people with Parkinson's disease to clinical studies: A scoping review

Background Timely recruitment and effective retention of participants are challenging for clinical Parkinson's disease (PD) research studies. Not achieving this can affect delivery costs and bias results. Objective To identify successful recruitment and retention methodologies for clinical research studies in PD. Methods We conducted a systematic scoping review using a Population, Intervention, Comparator, Outcome and Study design (PICOS) framework to search and screen literature within five databases for published quantitative and mixed methods studies evaluating recruitment and retention strategies of interventional and observational trials in PD. Results Searches identified 4608 records, of which six papers covering eight studies were included in the review following screening for eligibility. No papers on retention strategies were found that met eligibility criteria. Effective strategies for rapid recruitment included research registries and trial finders (n = 3), digital marketing campaigns (n = 3), site recruitment support (n = 1) and multiple referral sources (n = 1). Recruitment diversity was increased by online campaigns, mandatory 10% minority targets set by funders and supplemental site funding. Conclusions This scoping review has identified methods that can be used to increase the rate and diversity of recruitment to PD clinical studies. Retention methodologies are under-researched.

FROM #BODYPOSITIVE TO #WEIGHTLOSSJOURNEY – EXPLORING WEIGHT LOSS NARRATIVES WITHIN THE FAT COMMUNITY

The body positive and fat activist community is an extensive online network crossing many social media platforms, particularly active on Instagram and TikTok. Social media platforms provide “offer opportunities to support, community and practical solutions to issues” (Kyrölä, 2021, p. 113), and a space for resistance (e.g. Puhakka, 2023) for the body positive and fat acceptance movements. Even though there is not a commonly agreed set of rules for body positivity or fat activism, the idea of intentional weight loss has largely been rejected by the fat community in favor of encouraging health promoting behaviors without the need for weight loss. However, the previously unified activist front has started to crack as prominent figures within the fat community have taken a sharp turn from #bodypositive content to documenting their #weightlossjourney. Drawing from heory on master narrative, counter narratives and narrative resistance (Bamberg, 2004; Bamberg & Wipff, 2020; Hochman & Spector‐Mersel, 2020; McLean & Syed, 2015; Meretoja, 2020; Ronai & Cross, 1998), as well as fat studies, I explore online social media weight loss narratives of members of the fat community, as well as the responses from the fat community. More specifically, using digital ethnographic methods, I examine how the weight loss narratives on Instagram and TikTok negotiate between hegemonic narratives and narratives emerging from the fat community. The analysis of #weightlossjourney narratives shows how online activist communities can be splintered when versions of the master narrative the communities have collectively resisted become adapted by members of the community.

Digital Voices: The Role of Online Activism on Students’ Perspectives and Behavior toward Social Issues

In an era defined by digital connectivity, online activism has become a significant force in shaping discussions, particularly among the youth. This study investigates the influence of online activism on Senior High School students’ perspectives and behavior concerning social issues at Colegio de Sto. Tomas Recoletos, Inc. in the S.Y. 2023-2024. The study examines students’ engagement in online activism and its effects on their perceptions and behaviors related to social issues, considering factors such as sex and academic strand. 294 Senior High School students were respondents, randomly sampled from different year levels’ strands. Using a descriptive-comparative research design and Likert Scale questionnaires, data were collected and analyzed. Descriptive-comparative statistics, including T-tests and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), were employed to explore differences based on sex and academic strand. The results indicated a moderate (0.721) level of engagement in online activism, suggesting that students possess an average level of awareness and engagement with social issues through online platforms, irrespective of their academic strands. Regarding gender perspectives, females (0.585) were found to be significantly more likely to engage in online activism compared to males (0.643). However, no significant differences were observed in behavior towards social issues based on gender or academic strand. The study highlights how online activism shapes students’ perspectives and behaviors on social issues, emphasizing the need for educators to integrate digital literacy and advocacy into curricula. Further research is urged to explore this relationship, guiding future efforts in addressing digital-age challenges and opportunities.

The Threat of Algorithmic Populism: Intelligence Strategies for Safeguarding Democracy

The digital age has facilitated unprecedented transformations in communication, reshaping the way political discourse and influence manifest in democratic societies. Among these transformations, algorithmic populism emerges as a significant phenomenon. This concept, defined by the interaction between political actors, online activism, and algorithm-driven amplification, highlights how extremist or populist political messages gain traction in the digital ecosystem. By analysing this dynamic through the lens of intelligence studies, we have tried to identify the risks posed by algorithmic populism to democratic systems and propose strategies to mitigate its impact. The need for intelligence agencies to address these risks is clear, as they represent not only political but also existential threats to the democratic order.

Public knowledge, attitudes, practices, and barriers to skin cancer screening in the United Arab Emirates.

To assess knowledge, attitude, practice, and barriers to skin cancer screening among the general population of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). In this cross-sectional study, an online-based questionnaire was distributed via online social media sites such as Facebook, WhatsApp, Twitter, and others to the residents of the UAE. The questionnaire evaluated socio-demographics, knowledge (8 items), attitudes (10 items), practices (14 items), and barriers (9 items) in the context of skin cancer screening. A binary logistic regression was conducted to assess variables associated with practice levels. The study included 924 participants (51.9% females), with a median (IQR) age of 32 (22-44) years. Results showed a window for knowledge improvement [median = 4 (3-6) out of a maximum potential score of 8], unfavourable attitudes [median = 37 (33-39) out of a maximum potential score of 50], inadequate practices [median = 41 (31-45) out of a maximum possible score of 70]. The most common barriers to skin cancer screening were lack of knowledge about skin cancer (74.1%), lack of awareness of the need for skin cancer screening (72.2%), and absence of symptoms (54.1%). Older age (OR = 0.985, 95%CI: 0.971-0.998) and lack of health insurance (OR = 0.478, 95%CI: 0.301-0.758) were associated with lower screening practices. Female gender (OR = 1.833, 95%CI: 1.361-2.469), being married (OR = 1.415, 95%CI: 1.006-1.992), being a non-smoker (OR = 1.568, 95%CI: 1.045-2.352) or a former smoker (OR = 2.555, 95% CI: 1.082-6.034), and more favourable attitudes (OR = 1.071, 95%CI: 1.044-1.096) were associated with higher screening practices. The UAE population exhibited moderate knowledge, unfavourable attitudes, and inadequate practices regarding skin cancer screening, with several barriers identified. Targeted online and in-person awareness campaigns are crucial for improving public understanding and attitudes, thereby enhancing screening practices, especially among older adults, males, smokers, and those without health insurance.

The Intersection of Religion, Public Policy, and Women's Online Activism in Sri Lanka and Afghanistan: A Comparative Analysis

Research Problem: Women’s activism through social media in South Asia, particularly in Sri Lanka and Afghanistan, is shaped by a complex interplay of religion, public policy, and socio-political contexts. While social media offers opportunities for empowerment and advocacy, its role remains contested due to societal barriers, political constraints, and religious influences. Research Purposes: This study aims to explore the dynamics of women’s online activism in Sri Lanka and Afghanistan, examining how socio-economic, political, and religious factors influence their digital engagement. It seeks to identify key challenges and highlight the comparative impact of social media on women’s advocacy in these two countries. Research Methods: The study employs a qualitative approach, using content analysis of secondary data, including reports, academic studies, and media articles. Comparative analysis is applied to evaluate the socio-political and religious factors shaping women’s digital activism in Sri Lanka and Afghanistan. Results and Discussion: In Sri Lanka, women benefit from higher literacy rates and a relatively open societal structure, enabling them to use social media effectively for addressing issues like corruption and economic mismanagement. However, ethnic and religious divisions limit cohesive activism. In Afghanistan, women demonstrate resilience by leveraging platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp despite facing severe socio-religious constraints and the Taliban’s repressive policies. The analysis underscores the critical role of social media as both a tool for advocacy and a contested space for control and suppression. Research Implications and Contributions: The study highlights the necessity of addressing structural barriers to enhance women’s digital participation. Regional collaboration, improved digital literacy, and international advocacy are recommended to amplify women’s voices in both countries. The findings contribute to the broader discourse on the intersection of religion, public policy, and digital activism, providing insights for policymakers and activists working toward inclusive social progress.

From Activism to Collective Remembrance: The Transforming Rhetoric of Campaign Slogans in the #BringBackOurGirls Online Movement on Twitter

This paper explores the evolution of slogans and hashtags in the #BringBackOurGirls online campaign, seven years after the abduction of 276 schoolgirls in Chibok, Northeastern Nigeria. It highlights the shift from an urgent call to activism to a broader focus on collective memory. An Aristotelian rhetorical analysis of tweets from 2015 to 2021 identifies two distinct rhetorical contexts in the memory activism of the BBOG campaigns. The first frame embodies hope, resilience, and recovery, exemplified by slogans like “Hope Endures,” “Never to be Forgotten,” and “Until All Are Free.” The second frame underscores accountability and responsibility, with slogans such as “No More Excuses” and “No More Delays.” Findings suggest that slogans in memory activism play a pivotal role in expressing the collective memory and shared experiences of a group within socio-political movements. They act as emotional principles, encapsulating community sentiments and aspirations. This shift fosters unity and purpose among members who collectively advocate for accountable governance. By linking personal narratives with collective history, these slogans ensure that the struggles and resilience of affected communities are remembered and preserved over time. This research ultimately deepens the understanding of how slogans and hashtags shape the legacy of online campaigns, underscoring the significance of memory in the ongoing pursuit of justice and accountability.

Cadê o Kauê? Co-design and acceptability testing of a chat-story aimed at enhancing youth participation in the promotion of mental health in Brazil.

Adolescent mental health is vital for public health, yet many interventions fail to recognise adolescents as proactive community contributors. This paper discusses the co-design and acceptability testing of a chat-story intervention to enhance Brazilian adolescents' participation in the promotion of mental health in their peer communities. We specifically highlight the iterative process of co-creating this intervention with community stakeholders. The co-design was led by researchers, a youth collaborative group, and health-tech experts. Part 1 included quantitative (n = 1,768) and qualitative (n = 46) studies with Brazilian adolescents aged 15-18 for priority-setting. Part 2 involved co-creation and technical production, with input from youth advisors (n = 24), school staff (n = 11), and policy experts (n = 3). In Part 3, the chat-story was user tested (n = 32). Parts 4 and 5 assessed acceptability through a qualitative study in schools (n = 138) and initial efficacy during an online campaign (n = 795). Participants aspired to support their peers' mental health in schools, both one-to-one and collectively, but felt unprepared. This informed the chat-story's goal of enhancing peer support and collective action skills. Themes identified during Part 1, such as prejudice and academic pressure, were woven into the narrative to raise awareness of the social determinants of mental health, drawing from real-life stories. In the final story, players search for their missing best friend at school, uncovering his anxiety struggles and practicing skills such as empathic listening and partnership building. A manual for teachers was collaboratively designed for use within school settings, supplementing direct-to-user online applications. Acceptability testing showed participants found the tool authentic and user-friendly. Online users perceived the tool as preparing and motivating them to offer peer support and engage in collective action. The immersive co-creation model, enriched by input from key stakeholders, yielded a relevant and well-received intervention for Brazilian adolescents. Co-designed creative tools like chat-stories hold promise as digital mental health tools, fostering awareness, critical reflection, and inspiring adolescents to drive positive social change.

Online marketing campaigns’ aesthetics: Measuring the direct effect on customers’ decision-making

This research aims to investigate the direct and formal effect of visual aesthetics on customers’ willingness to participate in an online marketing campaign, given that visual aesthetics is considered a salient design characteristic that customers tend to refer to when expressing their experience with the online retailer environment. This research study incorporates the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA) and the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) to propose and estimate this direct effect through structural aesthetics TAM model. In order to validate the proposed model, an online survey with interactive experience was constructed utilizing an open-source platform and was primarily sent to scholars specializing in HCI, informatics, user experience, and digital marketing research in the United Kingdom. The data were obtained from 360 participants, and Partial Least Squares (PLS) path modeling using SmartPLS 4 was employed to evaluate the proposed model. The empirical evaluation demonstrated and confirmed the authenticity and novelty of significant direct and formal effects of customers’ perceived visual aesthetics on their willingness to participate in an online marketing campaign (β = 0.462, t = 10.847, p < 0.001), and their usage attitude (β = 0.789, t = 39.622, p < 0.001). These findings highlight the importance of visual aesthetics in online marketing campaign design, suggesting that concise, well-organized, and visually appealing user interfaces is more likely to engage customers than a complex, cluttered one.

The (Im)possible Umma? Multiple Realities and Multiple Identities of Indonesian Muslims in Online Philanthropy

Abstract This research investigates how Indonesian Muslim philanthropic organizations strengthen the sense of umma (a united Muslim community) through online philanthropy. We analyze online campaigns from five key organizations: ACT, BAZNAS, Dompet Dhuafa, LazisMu, and LazisNU, examining approximately 51,000 social media posts, particularly on Instagram and Kitabisa, Indonesia’s leading charitable crowdfunding platform. By generating word clouds, we analyze their campaigns’ discourses, revealing their ideologies of aid and user responses. The findings indicate that these organizations primarily emphasize their religious identity to mobilize Islamic charitable funds. The ACT case notably stands out for its strong umma emphasis, especially in campaigns related to conflict areas like Palestine and Rohingya. Despite the internet’s potential to connect Muslims globally and the usual success of umma campaigns, we argue that Indonesian Muslims face multiple realities and have multiple identities leading to fluid socialities in online philanthropy.

The Extreme Far-Right Ecosystem in Ireland: History and Contemporary Trends

It is often claimed that there is little to no organised extreme right-wing (ERW) presence in Ireland. The absence of the ERW is often attributed to Ireland’s ‘civil war’ political system, however, in recent years, the country has witnessed an increase in both far-right and ERW activity via online activism, street protest, and even violence. Perhaps the most prominent manifestation of the ERW is in the online space, and this article seeks to understand the Irish online ecosystem by focusing on social media influencer activity, their role in the propagation of ERW ideas, the spread or contagion of ideas into and out of the Irish eco-system, and the themes that are dominant in this space. This exploratory study, which analysed 422,156 social media posts across four platforms (1 October 2020 to 30 June 2021), found that Twitter and Telegram played a more facilitatory role than YouTube and 4chan in the proliferation of ERW content in Ireland. The most frequently mentioned extreme right-wing influencers were Irish, British, and American public figures and social media influencers, and the majority of location mentions referenced the United States, followed by the United Kingdom. The most popular themes were global conspiracy theories followed by anti-left, alt-right, anti-black, and anti-government sentiments. The article concludes that there is ERW presence in Ireland, and it has its own online ecosystem aimed towards creating division and spreading ideologies of hate and, in some instances, a call to action.

Digital Feminism: The Role of Social Media in Shaping Feminist Movements in Asian Cultural Contexts

Digital feminism is an innovative approach to gender equality, and social media has also served as a key tool in the growth of feminist voices and activism. In Asia, a region where patriarchy and cultural conventions have shaped social order to a considerable degree, social media has served as a fertile ground for advocacy and mobilisation. This essay examines how social media is used as both a form of empowerment and conflict, including advocacy on the web, the creation of online communities, and the culturalisation of feminist movements. But it also exposes broader barriers, such as online bullying, the digital divide and state censorship, that prevent digital feminism from developing and becoming more inclusive in Asia. Taking this perspective, the paper examines the activist use of digital technologies to advance feminist values in diverse and politically closed environments. This finding highlights the need for systemic solutions to close digital divides, defend online activists and create inclusive digital communities. It also contributes to the discussion of how technology, culture and feminism go hand in hand and what it means for social media-driven feminist movements in Asia to flourish or fail.

Running Digital Political Marketing Movement for Election 2024: A Case Study of Pakistan

With the upcoming 2024 Pakistani elections, digital political marketing campaigning has become a central battleground. In this particular context, this research undertaking endeavors to delve into the intricacies and complexities inherently associated with the operation and management of a digital political marketing movement. Employing a case study methodology, this inquiry aims to thoroughly scrutinize successful strategies and potential challenges that may arise in this domain. Drawing upon the experiences of prominent Pakistani marketing campaigns, this paper meticulously examines the utilization of digital platforms in mobilizing supporters, disseminating messages, and engaging in targeted outreach. Furthermore, it seeks to explore the efficacy of various tactics that are employed, including but not limited to content creation, social media engagement, influencer marketing, and data-driven targeting. Additionally, this analysis considers Pakistan’s distinctive socio-political landscape, wherein cultural nuances, levels of digital literacy, and accessibility to the Internet play a pivotal role in shaping marketing campaign strategies. Moreover, addressing the ethical concerns that invariably accompany digital campaigning, such as spreading misinformation, privacy violations, and the proliferation of hate speech online, is imperative. By adopting a nuanced approach and providing a comprehensive understanding of both the opportunities and challenges inherent in running digital political marketing movements in Pakistan, this research endeavor aims to equip future marketing campaigns with invaluable insights and contribute to the broader discourse surrounding the role of digital technologies in shaping democratic processes.

Online communities as arenas of "amateur expertise": examples from the social media activity for justice for Roman Zadorov.

This study examines online communities as arenas where diverse forms of expertise converge to influence discourse and public opinion. Using the case of social media activism advocating for justice in the wrongful conviction of Roman Zadorov for the murder of Tair Rada, it highlights how these communities serve as platforms for "professional amateurs" and demonstrates their similarities and differences from participants in the formal legal arena. The study employs a netnographic approach to analyze seven years of social media activity across 15 Facebook groups comprising over 300,000 members. Data collection included participant observation, interviews with 25 group administrators, and thematic content analysis of posts and interactions. This methodological triangulation provides a comprehensive understanding of the discourse and dynamics within these activist communities. Six categories of experts were identified in the online discourse: 1. Court-admissible experts, including People directly connected to the case, people who are knowledgeable about the involved parties and the surrounding area, expert witnesses who are professionals testifying based on their field-specific expertise, and circumstantial witnesses who have experienced relevant events firsthand. 2. Non-court-admissible experts, including people with deep, self-taught expertise and people relying on nonrational sources, such as supernatural insights. The findings highlight the unique character of online activism as a dialogic space where conventional and unconventional forms of expertise coexist, contributing to public narratives around justice. The study offers a novel conceptualization of online communities as platforms for expert-driven discourse. It underscores the importance of "pro-am" expertise and symbolic capital in shaping public understanding of contentious issues. While focused on a specific legal case, the study provides broader insights into the dynamics of expertise in online activism, emphasizing the duality of court-admissible and non-court-admissible expertise. Future research should explore these dynamics across varied contexts to further understand the role of online communities in social discourse and activism.

The Evolution of Activism: From Civil Rights to Digital Advocacy

This paper investigates the transformation of activism from the Civil Rights Movement to the modern era of digital advocacy. Activism has historically served as a powerful catalyst for societal change, shaping public policy, social norms, and cultural values. From civil rights demonstrations in the mid-20th century to today’s online campaigns, the methodologies and mediums of activism have evolved significantly, mirroring shifts in technology, political ideologies, and social dynamics. The paper traces these changes, highlighting key historical movements, the integration of environmental and social justice issues, and the rapid rise of digital platforms as vehicles for mass mobilization. Despite the efficiency and global reach of digital activism, challenges such as misinformation, digital privacy, and the sustainability of online engagement persist. Examining the interplay between technology and activism, the study ultimately considers the opportunities and limitations that digital platforms present for the future of social advocacy. Keywords: Activism, Civil Rights Movement, Social Justice, Digital Advocacy, Environmental Activism.

Revisiting Qualification Standards for Local Candidates: Basis for Redefin-ing Social Media Campaign

The study makes the case that adding social media campaign tactics to the requirements for local office holders will encourage more responsible, knowledgeable, and involved grassroots politics. This study explores the qualification standards for local candidates and how these standards can be redefined in the context of social media campaigns. As digital channels have a greater influence on voter involvement and perception, identifying the criteria that resonate with people becomes critical. The study highlights important characteristics—such as ethics, community involvement, and digital literacy—that distinguish successful local candidates. The study presents a methodology for optimizing campaign messaging and outreach by studying the candidates' successful social media techniques. Finally, the findings aim to help future politicians use social media to increase democratic engagement and develop meaningful ties with voters. This study emphasizes the essential interplay of candidate qualities and internet campaigning in determining electoral results.