Wands up! Internet-mediated social advocacy organizations and youth-oriented connective action
McInroy, LB, Beer, OWJ (2020)
Abstract
Internet-mediated social advocacy organizations (IMSAOs) have advanced over the past two decades. These organizations differ significantly from traditional âbrick-and-mortarâ non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in terms of institutional structure and some of the tactics employed to leverage both collective and connective action. Connective action may have particular relevance for young people, whose civic engagement tends to be personalized through Internet-enabled information and communication technologiesâcontradicting narratives implying youth are apathetic or disinterested in political and social movements. This article considers the potential significance of IMSAOs in terms of participation in social advocacy efforts, drawing on organizations leveraging fan activismâparticularly the Harry Potter Allianceâas a youth-oriented example. While IMSAOs may serve as platforms and mechanisms for social debate and meaningful change by engaging young people as active stakeholders, empirical research on these emerging organizations is required.
Citation
McInroy, LB, Beer, OWJ (2020). Wands up! Internet-mediated social advocacy organizations and youth-oriented connective action. New Media & Society. https://doi.org/10.1177/1461444820964809