New Social Movements and Digital Activism

Abstract

The use of digital has shifted to a different format, especially with the prominence of interaction with Web 2.0-based social networking sites that developed after internet technology. These environments, which provide users with a platform independent of time and space, have transformed daily and professional life practices, and public spaces have been replaced by virtual communities. Historically, social movements based on class struggle have also been affected by this change. Although the use of media tools in social movements dates back to the 18th century, individuals can easily reach people who think like themselves and organize quickly through social media. Although digital activism, which is one of the trends of digital technology prevailing in the 21st century, has been exposed to criticism such as clicktivism, it has also become an effective force in the political arenas. In this study, changing social movements on the axis of digital technologies will be discussed in general terms to digital activism.