Week 5: What is Digital Citizenship? Hashtag Publics, Political Engagement and Activism
In today's lecture note, we learned that digital citizenship, it isn’t just about personal responsibility—it’s about collective action! Through platforms and social media, we see new ways of engaging in political and social movements, with hashtags playing a crucial role in shaping public discourse. Hashtag publics, like #MeToo, #ClimateChange, and #AusPol, act as digital rallying points, connecting individuals across borders, sparking conversations, and mobilizing action in real-time.
These evolving digital spaces are also transforming political engagement. While traditional institutions like political parties and unions have seen a decline in formal memberships, citizens are increasingly participating in ad hoc activism, petitions, and online advocacy. Platforms provide direct channels for discussion, fundraising, and even influencing election outcomes—just look at how social media shaped the 2016 US election, revealing both the professionalization and de-professionalization of political campaigning.
At its core, digital citizenship is about using technology actively, ethically, and purposefully—whether that means engaging in political discussions, amplifying voices through hashtags, or simply making informed digital choices. As we continue to navigate this ever-evolving digital landscape, let’s embrace our roles as engaged, empowered, and responsible digital citizens.
Once upon a time, being a digital citizen meant simply having internet access. but now? it’s about how we use it. how we engage. how we fight for visibility in spaces designed to both connect and control us.
💻 unidimensional approach → "Give people internet, problem solved!" except... access doesn’t equal participation.
🔥 multidimensional approach → greta thunberg using #FridaysForFuture to mobilize millions? that’s digital citizenship in action. ethical, informed, and empowering.
⚡ critical & radical approach → black lives matter activists exposing systemic racism, only to face shadowbanning? digital platforms don’t just host activism—they regulate it. who controls what we see? Who decides which voices are amplified or silenced?
And let’s talk about intersectionality. The internet isn’t a neutral space. algorithms favor some voices over others. Marginalized communities face more harassment, more suppression, more barriers. digital citizenship looks different depending on who you are.
So what’s the takeaway? digital citizenship isn’t just about scrolling—it’s about questioning. about advocating. about making sure our digital world is one where everyone gets to be heard.
📢 use your voice. challenge the system. stay loud.
References
Choi, M., & Cristol, D. (2021). Digital Citizenship with Intersectionality Lens: Towards Participatory Democracy Driven Digital Citizenship Education. Theory into Practice, 60(4). https://doi.org/10.1080/00405841.2021.1987094
Film Independent Spirit Awards. (2025). independent spirit awards. Giphy.com. https://media3.giphy.com/media/v1.Y2lkPTc5MGI3NjExYXJtemthNnYxN3hvOWIxYWl6dnV1Ymk3dDhnMGQwNDk2bGhiOGppYiZlcD12MV9pbnRlcm5hbF9naWZfYnlfaWQmY3Q9Zw/2OKOprajKatXBedqSP/giphy.gif
Meltem Sncr. (2024, December 23). Princess Funny. Pinterest. https://pin.it/3yr1NLHwE