Conclusion: The Future of Digital Citizenship and Political Engagement

Abstract

In times when progressive political organisations are increasingly constrained, the emergence and consolidation of internet-enabled, rapid response, small donor-funded organisations has been important for citizen voice and mass political engagement. Several areas of ongoing concern are raised. First was whether a personalised story or affect-led approach to campaigning delimits the types of issues that can lead to successful mobilisation. Are all issues of contentious politics able to be personalised? Second is a focus on the actual political impacts of these organisations. Further, do they stay focused on transformational political and social change when leaders move into entrepreneurial for-profit organisations? These organisations have been shown to adapt to and shape the political context they operate within. But is this now crowding out other voices for progressive change?