Empowering Youth: Use of Technology in Advocacy to Affect Social Change

Thackeray, R. & Hunter M. A. (2010). Empowering youth: Use of technology in advocacy to affect social change. Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, 15(4), 575-591. doi: 10.1111/j.1083-6101.2009.01503.x. Retrieved from http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1083-6101.2009.01503.x/pdf

Before the introduction of social networking sites (SNS) into popular culture, the rosters of advocacy campaigns, civic affairs, and young people did not typically nor frequently include the same individuals.  However, this is no longer considered typical.  Many researchers refer to today’s youth as an untapped potential.  Statistics show that the number of youth joining SNS is growing exponentially each year.  As a result, they are using these SNS in order to connect with the world around them and encourage changes in society and social norms.  Some issues that young people have taken a stand on SNS about include the alcohol industry, global warming, and political campaign candidates.  With the number of SNS that are being introduced each year, the ways that youth are able to get involved not only become more numerous, but also grow in creativity.  Today, they have the option of joining a group supporting a cause on a SNS, playing a game on Facebook that has sponsors who contribute to organizations for each player subscribed, or text message based communication in order to recruit new advocates.