The Impact of Digital Forms of Communication in Conflict and Change

Why are conflict theorists interested in digital media?

They want to know whether digital media can challenge oppression and create social change.

What is the main debate about digital media and social change?

Whether it is a force for progressive change or a conservative force that reinforces existing inequalities and power.

What is cyber-activism?

Using digital technologies and social media to promote political or social change.

What is mass self-communication?

Castells' idea that ordinary people can communicate with large audiences directly through digital media without relying on traditional media.

How does Castells view digital media?

As a powerful tool for social change because it allows people to organise, communicate and challenge authority.

Which event does Castells use as evidence?

The Arab Spring (2010–11).

How did digital media contribute to the Arab Spring?

Citizens used Facebook, Twitter, texting and YouTube to expose state repression, organise protests and mobilise support.

Why was the Egyptian Revolution called a "Facebook Revolution"?

Facebook helped organise demonstrations that contributed to the removal of Hosni Mubarak.

What criticism can be made of Castells?

Social media alone cannot create change; real-world protest and organisation are still necessary.

Which social movements demonstrate the power of digital activism?

Black Lives Matter, MeToo, Extinction Rebellion, School Strikes, Women's March and Refugees Welcome.

How did Black Lives Matter use digital media?

Videos of police violence, especially George Floyd's murder, spread globally and mobilised protests.

What was the purpose of MeToo?

Raising awareness of sexual harassment and assault against women.

Who started MeToo and who popularised it?

Tarana Burke started it; Alyssa Milano popularised it.

How did Greta Thunberg benefit from digital media?

Social media transformed her climate activism into a global movement.

How does Kirkpatrick view digital media?

It empowers ordinary people and shifts power away from corporations.

What examples support Kirkpatrick's view?

TripAdvisor and Check-a-Trade allow consumers to influence businesses through reviews.

How does Haraway see digital media?

As potentially empowering for women and other marginalised groups.

What example supports Haraway's view?

Mumsnet's "Let Girls Be Girls" campaign successfully pressured retailers to stop selling lads' magazines.

How does Giddens think digital media promotes social change?

Through detraditionalisation.

What is detraditionalisation?

The weakening of traditional beliefs and practices through exposure to alternative ideas.

What examples support Giddens' argument?

Opposition to child marriage and campaigns against FGM.

How can digital media reinforce inequality?

Existing power structures can dominate online spaces and shape information.

How does Kleeman support this view?

Wikipedia is male-dominated, meaning men's voices remain more influential online.

How does the Frankfurt School view digital media?

As a tool used by elites to maintain capitalism and social control.

According to the Frankfurt School, who benefits most from digital media?

Political, economic and media elites.

What was Cambridge Analytica?

A company that used Facebook data to influence voting behaviour.

Why is Cambridge Analytica important?

It shows how digital data can be used to manipulate democracy.

What wider concern does Cambridge Analytica raise?

The enormous power held by companies such as Meta and Google.

How did ISIS use digital media?

To spread propaganda and recruit supporters.

Why is ISIS important in this debate?

It shows digital media can spread harmful and extremist ideas as well as positive social change.

What did Zimmerman find about INCEL groups?

They promoted misogyny, anti-feminism and traditional patriarchal values online.

What is QAnon?

An online conspiracy movement associated with far-right and extremist beliefs.

What is trolling?

Deliberately posting abusive, offensive or provocative content online.

What sociological issue does trolling highlight?

The tension between free speech and protecting people from harm.

How does Caroline Criado-Perez illustrate this problem?

She received rape and death threats after campaigning for women on banknotes.

What does Diane Abbott's experience show?

Digital media can amplify racism and sexism, particularly against Black women.

What does Renée DiResta argue?

Social media algorithms amplify extreme views and conspiracy theories.

Why are algorithms important according to DiResta?

They help shape reality rather than simply reflecting it.

What concern does DiResta raise about democracy?

Political opinions can be shaped by misinformation and conspiracy theories.

Evidence that digital media promotes social change?

Castells, Arab Spring, Black Lives Matter, MeToo, Haraway, Kirkpatrick and Giddens.

Evidence that digital media reinforces existing power structures?

Frankfurt School, Kleeman, Cambridge Analytica and media ownership.

Evidence that digital media can spread harmful ideologies?

ISIS, INCEL groups, QAnon, trolling and hate speech.

Overall evaluation of digital media and social change?

Digital media creates opportunities for activism and social change, but its impact depends on who controls it and how it is used.