Online and offline social movements: an interdisciplinary critical insight

Abstract

Based on the premise that societies are in constant transformation, social change is effectuated through social protest. Moreover, new emerging social phenomena and social formations appear that require new kinds of theorization (Langman, 2005). At the same time, Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) are becoming more widespread and sophisticated in areas where transnational let alone global problems are tackled. That said the relation between ICTs and social and political phenomena becomes progressively more interconnected leading to the emergence of new interdisciplinary research field including the study of ICTs and social movements (SMOs). Connecting ICTs and technology with social movements also has a historical connotation since the internet has been an outcome of the politics and dynamics of the cold war on the one hand and the anti-war movement and counter culture on the other (Rosenweig, 1998).