We've heard of activism, but what exactly is online activism? Well, it is still protesting but with your computer. Online activism is described as "a means by which advanced information and communication technologies...are used by individuals and groups to communicate with large audiences, galvanizing individuals around a specific issue or set of issues in an attempt to build solidarity towards meaningful collective actions" (Networkedpublics, 2006).Hacktivism on the other hand is defined as "Hacktivism is the fusion of hacking and activism; politics and technology. More specifically, hacktivism is described as hacking for a political cause” (The Hactivist, 2009).
I have recently come across many issues surrounding the media in terms of hactivism and activism, some of the most popular being Nestle vs. Greenpeace and activities of the hackers called Anonymous and of course Wiki leaks. I am not going to simply distinguish between hactivism and activism, but I want to focus on the opportunity that we as individuals have in this day and age. It amazes me that through the use of media one can either protest or dispute by hacking.
Why can't one simply protest without hacking? Is it because it is not as effective? I actually believe so, activism is out in the open for everyone to see which also means protesters too are seen by the public. Hacking, however, is unseen by the public until the damage is already done or when the organisation is warned. The point I'm making here is, is it easier to be a hacker from your bedroom rather than being an activist and openly fighting for your cause? I think hacking is the way of the future, pretty soon people will start to hack Apple on the latest iPhone.
If you had the knowledge, time and desire for information would you become a hactivist or activist?
References:
Netwrokedpublics. 2006, 'Cyberactivism', accessed 9/10/11, http://networkedpublics.org/cyberactivism
The Hacktivist, 2009, 'What Is Hactivism?', accessed 6/10/11, http://www.thehacktivist.com/
Neither of the two to be honest.
ReplyDeleteHacking does seem to be the way for the future, and it seems to be the cowardly way to do it. Or lazy depending on how you want to look at it.
I actually like the idea of hacktivism becoming a type of protest method 2.0 in our modern age. I still think physical presence protesting is important though. If you can imagine a situation where protest was split between online hacktivism and street occupation, they combine to make a unifying power of message awareness.
ReplyDeleteI personally think I would become a hacktivist, just because I'd be more naturally inclined to spread a message via a computer terminal. That being said, I think the consequences of being a hacktivist would be far greater than partaking in a peaceful protest on a street.