‘Independence 2.0’: digital activism, social media and the Catalan Independence Movement

Journal article


Anderson, P. 2019. ‘Independence 2.0’: digital activism, social media and the Catalan Independence Movement. Catalan Journal of Communication and Cultural Studies. 11 (2), pp. 191-207. https://doi.org/10.1386/cjcs_00003_1
AuthorsAnderson, P.
Abstract

This article examines the role and use of social media in the ongoing movement for Catalan independence by focusing on two pro-independence civil society organisations, Feministes per la Independència (FxI) and Òmnium Cultural (OC). Drawing upon elite interview data with representatives from both organisations and Catalan parliamentarians, it posits that social media platforms serve as crucial vehicles for these civil society organisations, particularly in terms of empowerment, mobilisation, organisation, participation and resistance. The increasing salience of digital activism in Catalonia is such that social media platforms have become fundamental pillars of the independence movement, helping to overcome state-imposed institutional obstacles as well as internationalise the issue across transnational networks. The analysis, however, also reveals a darker side to engagement with social media including the proliferation of biased narratives, dissemination of misinformation and trolling. On the basis of these reflections, the article concludes that while engagement with social media entails risks, hitherto such platforms have proved to be highly effective and will continue to be pivotal in promoting and generating support for the independence cause.

KeywordsCatalan independence; Digital activism; Social media; Feministes per la Independència,; Òmnium Cultural
Year2019
JournalCatalan Journal of Communication and Cultural Studies
Journal citation11 (2), pp. 191-207
PublisherIntellect
ISSN1757-1898
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1386/cjcs_00003_1
Official URLhttps://doi.org/10.1386/cjcs_00003_1
Publication dates
Print01 Oct 2019
Publication process dates
Deposited02 Jul 2020
Accepted09 Sep 2019
Accepted author manuscript
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File Access Level
Open
Output statusPublished
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https://repository.canterbury.ac.uk/item/8vx17/-independence-2-0-digital-activism-social-media-and-the-catalan-independence-movement

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File access level: Open

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