The Role of the Internet in Modern Activism: Social Movements and Global Awareness

Today, the Internet is a part of our day-to-day lives. It is just impossible to not use the Internet for survival. The Internet has not only been used for entertainment and business but also helped in spreading the news to the people and social movements for justice, equality, peace and much more. This digital revolution has reshaped how social movements emerge, gain, and influence people globally.

Amplifying Marginalized Voices:
The Internet helps marginalized groups to express their injustice and the demands that need to be fulfilled. In the past, as there was no Internet, people were not able to express themselves, leaving many of them without a voice. Now, social platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter allow each and every individual to help express the injustice received and gain attention worldwide. Some examples of movements are #BlackLivesMatter and #MeToo.

Rapid Mobilization of Resources:
The mobilization of people is one of the great contributions done by the Internet. Online petitions, crowdfunding platforms, and real-time social media updates enable people to coordinate protests, raise funds, and gather support within a short span of time. Platforms such as Change.org and GoFundMe are some examples that turn awareness into action; this allows the users to contribute even when they're sitting at their homes.  

Democratizing Information:
The Internet spreads information to each individual, which is no longer spread only to a confined group. With endless amounts of resources available, people can educate themselves about issues currently faced by the world. This democratization of information helps individuals to wisely make their decisions if needed.

Building Global Communities:
The Internet has bought people from diverse backgrounds globally together. This allows people to come together to share strategies, experiences, and resources, which creates a sense of collective purpose. One such campaign was Friday for the Future, led by Greta Thunberg, which is a great example of how local movements can gain international traction on online platforms. Millions of young people worldwide participated in climate strikes, which were just inspired by a single voice amplified through the Internet.

Challenges of Internet Activism:
Despite the benefits mentioned above, there are still challenges which are need to be faced. Misinformation being spread can mislead individuals and weaken their movements. In some regions, The Government censors pictures or sites, which lowers the potential risks to the users.

Case Study of Impact:
The Arab Spring is one of the examples which showcases the Internet’s role in mobilizing mass protests across the Middle East, leading to significant political changes. Another example is the Women’s March, which happened in 2017 and helped many people come together for the solution of ‘gender equality” through the use of the Internet.