Cyber activism and slacktivism: A contemporary force in social and political change

Abstract

The paper investigates the evolution of Pakistani cyber activism as a political and social movement, discussing the way individuals are mobilizing, creating awareness and fighting injustice through digital tools (Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram). Through the prism of the connective action framework (Bennett and Segerberg, 2012) and the idea of power accrual (Leong et al., 2019), this research explores three high-profile instances, that is, #AuratMarch, #JusticeForZainab and #ReleaseGulalaiIsmail, to reveal how personal accounts and hashtag activism engage in the formation of the society-wide discussion and involvement. Based on discussion on Jeppesen (2021) and Parsloe and Holton (2018), it is discovering that cyberactivism amplifies the underrepresented voice and builds networks of solidarity; still, online harassment of activists, the surveillance of the state, and polarization of society (particularly in relation to women and low earners) take place. Hence, digital activism in Pakistan appears as a key element of contemporary social movements, which fusion with democratic activities is combined with distinct challenges and threats.