Digital Activism Book: Chapter Abstract

I’m in the last stages of writing a chapter for a book on Digital Activism that’s being written by a really great group of colleagues, such as Patrick Meier, Gaurav Mishra, Mary Joyce, and Tim Hwang (among others).  I thought I’d lay out my outline for now, as I’m working through it.

Please let me know your thoughts on any of the subjects, or if you think there’s a great resource or case study I should be including.

Title: Digital Inequality and Elitism

CURRENT LANDSCAPE OF DIGITAL INEQUALITY & INHIBITING FACTORS

• What are the real hurdles to digital adoption? Is it economic differences?  Educational level?  Access?  Skill level?  Is it the internet itself?
• How does the Digital Divide effect society, its access to information and progress in certain parts of the world?
• What does it mean if people in rich countries are using digital tools for activism on behalf of people in poor countries? (Example: Online Darfur Movement)  Is this helpful? Or is this harmful (for instance, does it reinforce “colonialism”?)

DIGITAL ACTIVISM & POLITICAL PARTICIPATION

• How can political parties, groups and organizations use these tools?
• How does this decrease the Digital Divide?

DIGITAL TOOLS & COLLECTIVE ACTION

• What does it means if certain groups in society are participating in digital activism efforts while others are not? (Iran twitter example) What does it mean if certain groups are able to advocate more effectively just because they are more tech savvy?
• Who will the new elite be?

WHAT MAKES A GOOD DIGITAL TOOL FOR ACTIVISTS

• How have certain digital tools lessened the Digital Divide?
• What are some specific qualities of digital tools that make them more likely to be used?

Other Questions

• When can we claim victory over the digital divide with regard to activism?
• Is an active and engaged global middle class sufficient to push for progressive values?