The 'Buy Nothing this Christmas' campaign is an example of a digital activist campaign by Adbusters. Adbusters is one of many online groups that are trying to forge a major shift in the way we live. Whether it is a campaign to stop people consuming or citizens trying be heard. One of the positives from social media is the ability to connect those who are disconnected either by location or circumstance. Media guru Clay Shirky explains civic life as..
… not just created by the actions of individuals, but by the actions of groups, the spread of mobile phones and internet connectivity will reshape that civic life, changing the ways members of the public interact with one another.
Digital activism empowers individuals to easily act on the beliefs and causes they are passionate about. Campaigns such as Kony, Obamas campaign and the recent uprising in Egypt are examples campaigns in which their cause was driven to the world via social media. The main driver of each of these campaigns was organised online communication, better known as DIGITAL ACTIVISM.
Getup is an Australian organisation that helps give everyday Australians the opportunity to get involved by holding Politicians accountable on important issues. Why sit at home fuming over a recent ludicrous political decision made by government monkeys when you can Getup and do something about it.
Whether it is sending an email to a member of parliament, engaging with
the media, attending an event or helping to get a television ad on the air,
GetUp members take targeted, coordinated and strategic action to effect real change.