ICT as a Platform for Change
ICT as a Medium for Advocacy
Definition: Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is an effective tool for
promoting and disseminating advocacies focused on social change.
Benefits of Online Advocacy:
No exceeded effort is required.
Online presence offers advantages.
Social Change:
Refers to alterations in human interactions that lead to changes in established cultural and
social constructs, beliefs, and institutions.
Examples: Civil rights, women's rights, LGBTQ+ rights, labor rights.
Ogburn's Theory on Technology and Social Change
Proponent: William Fielding Ogburn (Sociologist).
Core Idea (1992): Technology is the primary driver of social change and progress, but societal
responses can weaken its impact.
Three Stages of Technical Development:
1. Invention:
The development of new technologies.
Example: The invention of the computer and communication technology facilitated
rapid information spread across distances, leading to social networking that connects
people regardless of location.
2. Discovery:
New ways of understanding and perceiving reality.
Example: The discovery of computer technology altered how people understand
situations, revealing information about distant events that was previously difficult or
impossible to acquire.
3. Diffusion:
The spread of technology from its point of origin to other regions.
Example: Computer technology, from basic calculations to modern computers,
originated in America and Europe and diffused to Asia and Africa, with cultural
adjustments occurring in response to its adoption.
The Role of ICT in Philippine History
EDSA and Cardinal Sin's Call to Action (1986):
Manila Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin used Radio Veritas to broadcast an urgent appeal
for Filipinos to gather at Camp Aguinaldo.
The message aimed to protect Juan Ponce Enrile and Fidel Ramos.
EDSA II and Text Messaging (2001):
A peaceful uprising that led to the removal of President Joseph Estrada.
Text messaging ("text brigades") was used as the fastest and most affordable
communication method to mobilize people and disseminate information about Estrada's
alleged corruption.
PhilAWARE Application:
An application designed to enhance disaster resilience, reduce losses, and improve
cooperation during emergencies.
Utilizes crowd-sourced reporting and government validation.
Enables citizens to share experiences for community safety and navigation, and helps
disaster management officials prioritize response efforts.
The Social Power of Social Media
Effectiveness: Social media is considered the most powerful tool for spreading advocacies
and causes compared to other technologies.
Features Enhancing Advocacy:
Encourages interaction (commenting, sharing), which sustains conversations about
issues.
Disseminating messages online is the initial step towards achieving social justice.
Social Media Movements and Trends:
2019 Hong Kong Protests: Social media was used to share live news feeds and
information about activities to influence public opinion against government agendas
regarding an extradition bill.
ALS Ice Bucket Challenge (2014): Raised money and awareness for Amyotrophic Lateral
Sclerosis (ALS). The nomination feature contributed to its viral success on social media.
Black Lives Matter (Started 2013): An online community combating anti-Black racism and
police violence using the hashtag #BlackLivesMatter. The hashtag's usage increased
during protests and discussions, especially after the death of George Floyd in 2020.
Me Too Movement (Gained mainstream awareness in 2017): Provided solidarity for
women experiencing sexual harassment. High-profile actresses shared their experiences,
using the hashtag #MeToo, leading to accountability for influential individuals.
Million People March (Philippines, 2013): A protest against the Pork Barrel fund scam.
Calls for the protest originated on Facebook and Twitter, marking the first rally organized
via social media.
How Social Media Promotes Social Justice:
1. Coordinating Community Responses: Creates online spaces for people to connect, find
support, and share ideas, fostering unity for a cause.
2. Platforming Lived Experience: Amplifies and shares the stories and struggles of minorities
and underrepresented groups with a global audience.
3. Sharing Pictures and Videos: Used to document events like protests and demonstrations,
helping to shape the narrative (e.g., Hong Kong protests).
Related Concepts in Social Media Activism
Slacktivism:
Combination of "slacker" and "activism."
Refers to low-effort online actions to support a social movement (e.g., signing petitions,
reposting content).
Cancel Culture:
A divisive concept involving withdrawing support from public figures or companies due to
controversial actions.
Can be viewed as a form of online shaming.