Another updated abstract

As with every domain of society, activism has evolved interwoven with technological development. The history of technology is quite telling of the effectiveness of co-current activist efforts. It is important for current and future activists and scholars to discuss the progression and difficulties of past endeavors in order for social advancement to push forward most effectively. I begin by examining these dual histories, highlighting the major turn of events that were particularly relevant to the furtherance of activist goals and ending with contemporary activism, which is highly affected by modern technology, especially the internet. Developing internet technologies are drastically changing the mobilization capabilities and aims of social movements, which is now becoming known as cyberactivism. International activist groups are experiencing the largely complementary aspects of internet usage, and coping with the conflicting issues which continue to arise with the evolution of advanced networking tools. I discuss the research already provided concerning the affect that the internet is having on activism and report several case studies to demonstrate the main issues groups have faced with internet usage. Finally, particular relevance concerning the impact of internet technologies on university campuses in the United States, specifically regarding activist’ efforts, has been almost altogether neglected although these are settings which provide a highly conducive space for mobilization and action. I further analyze cyberactivism by bringing the actions of students into the discussion. I open the conversation of student cyberactivism by research analysis involving several specific clubs and general student involvement at my school, Appalachian State University, and their usage of the internet, as well as personal experience with the the United Students Against Sweatshop movement. This study provides a uniquely small-scale, student-led organizational perspective to the ongoing discourse of this dynamic relationship between the internet and activism with respect to its presence in the interaction of pertinent historical institutions.