Monday, December 05, 2005
Calling All Activists: Cell Phone Activism
Relationships in the Digital Age: Calling All Activists
Cbarr's Relationships in the Digital Age blog has a good post about the use of cell phones by political activists. Digital cell phones are the point of entry into networking for the vast majority of the planet. Laptops and internet connections can cost a lot more than cell phone service. The cell phone is fast becoming the new basic necessity of modern living. Cell phones are the basic tool of the Smart Mob according to Howard Rheingold. Cell phones seem to be harder for governments to control as well.
Cell phone networks are a powerful tool for social change and activism, but not all of these cell-phone users are fighting for freedom and democracy. As Ms. Barr notes:
Cbarr's Relationships in the Digital Age blog has a good post about the use of cell phones by political activists. Digital cell phones are the point of entry into networking for the vast majority of the planet. Laptops and internet connections can cost a lot more than cell phone service. The cell phone is fast becoming the new basic necessity of modern living. Cell phones are the basic tool of the Smart Mob according to Howard Rheingold. Cell phones seem to be harder for governments to control as well.
Cell phone networks are a powerful tool for social change and activism, but not all of these cell-phone users are fighting for freedom and democracy. As Ms. Barr notes:
"And while it may seem that there isn't a downside to the "freedoms" that are gained from this technology, there is.Of course, text messaging can also land in the hands of terrorist groups. Al Qaeda has been using mobile communication to organize. There also have been cases where text messaging has led to violence, as in Nigeria during the Miss World pageant in 2002, when more than 200 people were killed in riots.Overall, any tool that enhances communication and networking is valuable, and when in the right hands, can be an excellent method for promoting change, but as with all things, there are negative aspects and dangers when such a tool winds up in the wrong hands."
