Cyber Activism

Cyber Activism

Cyber activism is the process of using internet-based socializing and communication techniques to create, operate and manage activism of any type. It allows any individual or organization to utilize social networks and other online technologies to reach and gather followers, broadcast messages and progress a cause or movement. Cyber activism is also known as internet activism is also known as internet activism, online activism, digital activism, online organizing, electronic advocacy, e-campaigning and e-activism.

Cyber activism uses social networking tools and platforms to share and broadcast mottos and messages and to interaction. These platforms include Twitter, Face book, LinkedIn, You Tube and other popular and niche social networks along with email, instant messaging and other online collaboration tools.

Depending on the cause or need of the e-activist, cyber activism can be used for various purposes such as awareness creation, gathering and organizing followers and initiating reactions.The e-activists use e-petitions digitally signed by a number of followers before they are sent to government and legislative authorities.

However, the internet can be a double-edged sword when it comes to activism. It is a cheap  and immediate way to get your message out to a wide audience, there is a vast pool of information at your fingertips  for research  and it allows communication with others all around the world. But it can also have valuable time and creating an online presence for your campaign can be yet another challenge.

The following are the things that activists can make best use of the web;

1.      Be topical; this means be part of the online news revolution.One of the biggest advantages of the internet is its accessibility: a website costs little to start and has a global reach. This has loosened the mainstream media’s grip on news production, a hugely important development. Also whatever your campaign is about, respond to mainstream news stories in real time on your blog or website. Producing information that is topical and contributes to reason debate not only makes the most of the democratizing potential of the internet but should also bring you more readers.

2.      Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn; this means the use of social networking sites was until recently, often derided as the ultimate in slacktivism. Facebook groups sprung up for every cause, with little or no real life impact. They are however, a useful tool in releasing the bite-size chunks of information

3.      Be careful with the law; if you are to organize a direct action, or use another confrontational or potentially illegal tactic, the internet may not be the place to plan or discuss it.

4.      Do not be an armchair activist; the biggest danger with the internet is that you can spend hours surfing and typing, and end up with little to show for your efforts. Updating social media platforms and checking emails too often can be a distraction from more substantial work. Also do not campaign online at the expense of real-world activism.

BY: KIYABO NELLY

      BAPRM-42587