Digital Activism as a Sociopolitical Phenomenon: an Integrated Analytical Model

Abstract

Research goal: To map actions of digital activism and categorize them according to their purpose. Theoretical framework: Discussions about potential combinations between different forms of digital activism and traditional activism, in addition to considerations about different conceptions of strategy, form the theoretical framework of this study. Methodology: The categorization was carried out according to the content analysis technique. Results: The research analyzed case studies published between 2008 and 2018 related to digital activism, hacktivism, data activism and cyberactivism, categorizing activist actions into 12 modalities and three main categories to create a model for analyzing digital activism. Originality: By focusing on the purpose of activist actions, this study demonstrates how the same purpose can be achieved through different actions, in addition to allowing the prognosis of actions that were not found in the literature. Theoretical and practical contributions: The work presents a set of tactics found in the literature review carried out, offering a representation of the possibilities of action that allow the reach of the activists' objectives according to their strategies.