Analysis of Mobilization Mechanisms in Social Movements in the Internet Era: A Case Study of the "Fandom Expedition Campaign"

Yumeng Ding

doi:10.6918/IJOSSER.202410_7(10).0014

Authors

Yumeng Ding

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.6918/IJOSSER.202410_7(10).0014

Keywords:

Internet; Affordance; Online Social Movements; Mobilization Mechanisms.

Abstract

This study explores how internet communication technology affects the mobilization mechanisms of social movements, with a focus on the "Fan Circle Expedition Movement" on Weibo. Through this case, the paper examines how the internet reshapes social movements in terms of identity formation, resource dissemination, and mobilization structures. The study argues that digital technology not only enriches the forms of social movements but also creates new models of collective action, making it easier for instant, multi-point transnational online movements to take place. Finally, the study notes that while the rapid development of internet communication technologies empowers actors through media affordances, mobilization capacity is still constrained by censorship mechanisms and access limitations. Therefore, while media affordances offer empowerment, they also introduce structural constraints for social movements. Future research should further explore how to balance the empowerment and limitations brought by technology to ensure effective communication and mobilization in social movements.

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