Concerns about Online Activism
...and what the data indicates
Slacktivism
A portmanteau (slacker+activism) referring to performative activism that doesn't serve to contribute to any significant social or political change. Also referred to as "clicktivism" in strictly online contexts.
General concern is around the possibility of slacktivism replacing or interfering with actual offline action.
Spiral of Silence
A theory proposing that, since people fear isolation, they are inclined to self censor opinions that they fear would lead to their social outcast.
General concern is around the possibility that social media platforms exacerbate the extent to which people fall into the spiral of silence, since their opinions can be broadcasted to a wider selection of people for criticism and disapproval.
Echo Chambers
Any environment wherein shared realities and values are echoed and validated.
General concern is that social media platforms may instigate the development of large-scale echo chambers rooted in misinformation.
Digital Dualism
The idea that people act more disinhibited online given their anonymity.
General concern is around the idea that political discourse online may be adulterated by those who contribute ideas anonymously and therefore don't have to worry about social repercussions. That is, the internet may allow dangerous ideas to spread quickly.
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