Beyond Slacktivism
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"It's better to light a candle than to fantasize about a sun" is the eloquent rallying cry of James Dennis' conceptually rich and meticulously researched critique of the idea of slacktivism. By analyzing the testimony of authentic, socially-situated individuals, Dennis guides us through the complex textures of political life online. His research compels us to look beyond the lazy clichés found in so much public debate about social media and political engagement. Read this book. Discuss it with your students. It will change the way we think about one of the most urgent issues of our time." (Andrew Chadwick, Loughborough University, UK)"There was a time when pundits referred to online activism as slacktivism. Gone are those days, as recent movements and waves of populism demonstrate the ability of online media to connect (and separate!) people around common sentiment. Read this book and understand how it all happens. Engaging, insightful, and sharp." (Zizi Papacharissi, University ofIllinois-Chicago, USA)
"James Dennis's book addresses a core research question: "what effect does routine social media use have on political engagement?" In answering this question Dennis skillfully sidelines assumptions of slacktivism and clicktivism to take a deeper look at instances of meaningful digital micro-activism via engaging ethnographic research, with both individual social media users, and the influential digital campaigning organisation, 38 Degrees. The book, importantly, demonstrates that politics and participation now emerge though everyday forms of communication and engagement." (Ariadne Vromen, University of Sydney, Australia)
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