Educational Gaming Commons - Press Start

Bridget Blodgett, Bridget

PSU, IST

The social processes and descriptions of mobilization on virtual worlds is under theorized.

Many VWs are experiencing user-mobilized protests. How do protests and technology interact?

Hacktivism - Hacking + activism. Individuals using technologies to bring about a change. A continuation of civil disobedience. Digitally correct hactivism don't resort to harmful tactics (like DOS).

Individuals that use CMC believe there is a virtualized social group. A sense of proximity with others can exist depending on frequency and depth of interactions. It takes longer to do this than it does in F2F situations. New media channels can increase the development of weak ties. Using multiple channels to talk to the same people strengthens ties. (Personal note: Is this like seeing someone at work, plus at home, plus at a social event like a picnic? Do we need multiple situations to become "close" to someone?)