Digital Activism In The Social Media Era: Critical Reflections On Emerging Trends In Sub-saharan Africa
by Bruce Mutsvairo /
2016 / English / PDF
11.4 MB Download
This book probes the vitality, potentiality and ability of new
communication and technological changes to drive online-based
civil action across Africa. In a continent booming with mobile
innovation and a plethora of social networking sites, the
Internet is considered a powerful platform used by pro-democracy
activists to negotiate and sometimes push for reform-based
political and social changes in Africa. The book discusses and
theorizes digital activism within social and geo-political
realms, analysing cases such as the #FeesMustFall and
#BringBackOurGirls campaigns in South Africa and Nigeria
respectively to question the extent to which they have changed
the dynamics of digital activism in sub-Saharan Africa.
Comparative case study reflections in eight African
countries identify and critique digital concepts questioning what
impact they have had on the civil society. Cases also explore the
African LGBT community as a social movement while discussing
opportunities and challenges faced by online activists fighting
for LGBT equality. Finally, gender-based activists using digital
tools to gain attention and facilitate social changes are also
appraised.
This book probes the vitality, potentiality and ability of new
communication and technological changes to drive online-based
civil action across Africa. In a continent booming with mobile
innovation and a plethora of social networking sites, the
Internet is considered a powerful platform used by pro-democracy
activists to negotiate and sometimes push for reform-based
political and social changes in Africa. The book discusses and
theorizes digital activism within social and geo-political
realms, analysing cases such as the #FeesMustFall and
#BringBackOurGirls campaigns in South Africa and Nigeria
respectively to question the extent to which they have changed
the dynamics of digital activism in sub-Saharan Africa.
Comparative case study reflections in eight African
countries identify and critique digital concepts questioning what
impact they have had on the civil society. Cases also explore the
African LGBT community as a social movement while discussing
opportunities and challenges faced by online activists fighting
for LGBT equality. Finally, gender-based activists using digital
tools to gain attention and facilitate social changes are also
appraised.