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Internet users examined in the article signed a petition regarding gun control. Those who signed the petition were presented with a chance to donate to gun control causes and an education nonprofit as well. Between those who did and did not sign the petition, there was little to no difference in those who donated to the education fund. The author, Sara Reardon, believes that this is in part due to the belief among those who did sign the petition that they had already done enough to support the cause. This particular e-petition was shown to encourage internet activism above conventional forms of protest; “signers also said they were now more likely to participate in future e-petitions, but not to attend a protest again.” Whether or not internet activism or conventional activism are more effective is another question, but clicktivism is certainly changing the way in which people choose to engage with big issues.
("It was Only a Click", New Scientist, Sara Reardon)