This also means that the organization for their dissemination no longer must rely on the exchange on the physical level . It is possible for them to expand their network worldwide by means of social media as quickly as possible . This highlights the crucial role social media currently play in the context of solidarity movements .
Moreover , “ the most obvious and intuitive link […] is its potential for mobilizing new activists ” ( Mundt , Ross & Burnett , 2018 , pp . 1-2 ). “[…] Due to its “ public sphere ” nature , social media creates participation opportunities […]”, which increase the mobilization and support of mass movements ( ibid , p . 2 ). This aspect can thus also be seen as central to the influence of social media on contemporary social movements . On the other hand , this simplicity , through passive participation in social movements , creates a risk ; “[…] people may join social movements without substantial commitment and thereby remain passive users rather than active members ” ( Earl & Schussmann , 2003 ; Van Laer & Van Aelst , 2010 , as cited in Hwang & Kim , 2015 , p . 481 ). That means also that “[…] people who have a low commitment can join traditional social movements ” ( Hwang & Kim , 2015 , p . 481 ). Thus , while social mediado not always create a strong network under the ice , they nevertheless create a largely bonded network .
Since last year , the Fridays for Future movement has emerged as a potent global force within the realm of solidarity movements , uniting individuals of all ages and backgrounds in solidarity for urgent climate action . This dynamic and influential movement has captured the world ’ s attention , transcending geographical boundaries and cultural differences by mobilizing millions of individuals .
Social media platforms have played a pivotal role in this mobilization since the movement ’ s inception , with Fridays for Future primarily utilizing them to rally people globally through various strategies and to draw attention to the urgency of the climate crisis . The following chapters aim to address questions regarding the origins of this movement , its fundamental objectives , the ways in which it utilizes socialmedia as a tool for mobilization , and the specific impacts of this utilization .
Origins and Evolution
“ In 2018 , a civil movement appeared that questioned human behavior concerning climate of our home planet , the Earth ” – the Fridays for Future movement was born ( Beckh & Limmer , 2021 , p . 427 ). OnAugust 20 , 2018 , a 15-year-old Swedish teenager , named Greta Thunberg inspired the movement in general . By sitting down “[…] in front of the Swedish parliament with a cardboard sign saying […] “ School Strike for Climate ””, she demanded changes in the climate policyregarding the international Paris Agreement from the government ( ibid . pp . 427 – 428 ). Additionally , “[…] she announced the continuation of her protest every Friday during school hours , until the Swedish politicians would finally take reasonable action to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement ” ( ibid , p . 428 ). From then on , protests inspired by her took place all over the world ( cf . Beckh & Limmer , 2021 , p . 428 ). With
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