While online movements can indeed drive social change, their effectiveness depends on the scale of participation, the importance of the issues, and the follow-up actions. A key significance of online activism lies in transforming previously sporadic individual actions into a scale effect. Online media, to some extent, improves the logic of collective action. Another important significance of online activism is its ability to set the "agenda." In short, there is a strong correlation between the "major events" reported by the mass media and the "major events" in the minds of the people. The media cannot dictate "how we think," but it can tell us "what we should think."
The birth and widespread adoption of the internet marked another historic leap forward for human society. This revolution, with an impact no less significant than the agricultural and industrial revolutions, has become a new chapter in human societal development. It has completely broken down geographical limitations, enabling instant communication and information sharing between people at opposite ends of the globe. Its core value lies in solving the problem of information asymmetry, promoting human societal progress in an efficient and low-cost manner. Under the guidance of the internet, human society is facing unprecedented and profound changes.
Positive Impacts of Online Action
- Agenda Setting and Public Opinion Guidance: Online movements can focus public attention on specific issues (such as smog control and children's rights protection) through large-scale dissemination, prompting traditional media to follow up with reports and creating hot topics for social discussion. For example, in 2015, the call on WeChat Moments to install air purifiers in schools promoted related policy discussions.
- Lowering Participation Barriers and Achieving Scale Effects: Online platforms (such as petition websites and social media) reduce the cost of individual action to near zero, rapidly gathering resources through likes, shares, and donations. For example, the White House petition website in the United States has facilitated policy adjustments due to online support.
- Promoting Democratic Politics and Social Oversight: The internet provides channels for public expression, promoting transparency in government decision-making. For example, the "Internet+" model optimizes public services by integrating resources, improving the efficiency of social governance.
Limitations of Online Action
- Limited Direct Policy Transformation Effects: Online movements are mostly driven by public opinion; actual policy implementation relies on offline actions. For example, while the "death penalty for human traffickers" initiative sparked discussion, legal revision requires a lengthy legislative process.
- 2. Information Authenticity and the Risk of Rumors: Online rumors can exacerbate social panic (such as false information about the epidemic), requiring joint governance by law and public self-discipline.
- Technological Dependence and Ethical Challenges: While AI technology improves efficiency, issues such as algorithmic bias and data security may trigger new conflicts.
Typical Cases:
- Successful Case: "Internet+" healthcare, by integrating resources and optimizing services, has become a new engine for economic transformation.
- Controversial Case: The rapid development of the AI industry is accompanied by changes in employment structure and ethical controversies, requiring a balance between technological progress and social equity.
In conclusion, online movements are an important tool for driving change, but they need to be combined with offline actions and institutional improvements to achieve long-term impact.