Digital activism is a form of activism that uses the internet and digital medias to spread the word and bring about social or political change. These digital tools can include the internet, cell phones, social media outlets like Twitter and or Facebook. With the use of technology, people can share and express their opinion on different matters, share information, and call people to action all across the globe.
According to the article, The 6 Activist Functions of Digital Tech, there are six points that digital technology can do for activist. This in-depth article outlined these points that included: share public opinion, plan an action, protest activists, share a call to action, take action digitally, and transfer resources. Share public opinion is described as sharing a belief that change is possible and this could shared through social media. Plan an action is where sooner or later, people will hear and see the dissatisfaction and decided that there is change that needs to come about and start the planning process. Point three was protect activists, this is where there a person’s anonymity is protected. Share a call to action was described as getting the word out through mass broadcast. There was an example in the article, how people forward messages to their own social networks and how quickly the word got out to stand for a change. Point number five was to take action digitally, was described as signing e-petitions, donating on-line, or emailing your Congressman. Finally, the sixth point is the transfer resources, specifically money.
Prior to our readings, I didn’t realize what an influence that teens were making in the world. Sure, I knew of a few, but I didn’t realize the impact that they were making by changing the world. I found the website, Teen Activism to be filled with such inspiration as it showcased several teens and described their platforms and what changes that they are working towards. Each teen had an amazing story, and I enjoyed reading how they are trying to reach other teens through Twitter for example. I think that this is a good way for others to reach teenagers. If you think about it, most teens today are on their phone, if they have access to a positive message or they are able to reach out to someone who can help them, it could prevent many things.
This was an interesting module of materials to read and research. I am more informed on the impact that digital activism has made on our youth and our world. This has made me more aware of the issues that are world is facing and step forward and let my opinions be expressed and heard.
JaimeBurkink 
Jaime,
I also wasn’t aware of the impact that teens were making around the country and the world until I starting reading about digital activism. I thought that it was so refreshing to see teens reaching out to show that others who might be struggling with issues are not alone. It can be such a relief to know that someone else feels the way they do and that they can talk with someone about something they might not feel comfortable sharing with someone who doesn’t know what they are doing through. Great job on your post!
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I agree with you Tate, it is refreshing to read about these positive teens. Its good to read about the positives that young kids are doing instead of the negative we usually hear about. I think that it good that teens can share with others their struggles and feel comfortable and to someone they can relate to. Thanks for your comments! Jaime
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Great thoughts, Jaime! I knew about digital activism before this module, but I had no clue just how influential it is! If you really think about it, now most people make their political decisions based more on what they read on social media than anything else! Now, maybe this is a scary thought, but I also think it allows people to be much more informed with what is happening in today’s world!
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I was equally surprised to find so many teens being mature and supporting the causes they believe in at such a young age. Generally, I think of teens as that group where “the world revolves around them” so to see 15 year olds volunteering themselves to fight for others, it is just surprising. Good job!
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I really enjoyed your post Jaime. First off, I think all we hear about in the news is negative news about teens and social media. However after reading these articles it was nice to see how many are using social media for good. I honestly had no idea!
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I agree with you that it is refreshing to hear about the good that teens are doing for our world! It needs to be celebrated for sure! I am like you, I didn’t know the impact they were making until this weeks module assignments! Jaime
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It’s nice to see so many teens becoming active and using their social media platforms for more than just looking at funny cat videos. They are stating what they believe in and/or making sure that people have someone to talk to. I think that’s pretty amazing. When social media became a huge thing, I definitely wish that I would have used it for those kinds of things instead of looking up memes and videos of cats.
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Thanks for your comments to my post. I agree with you that it is so refreshing to hear and learn about teens taking a stand against a cause instead of just looking at videos and such. Those stories were amazing, there are so many amazing kids out there, they all are inspirational! Jaime
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