CCDN311: Thesis Statement

The topic I am looking at is Hacktivism.

With the recent introduction of new technology and communication methods design has evolved. A new way of communicating political ideas and opinions across has developed in the form of social media and websites. Design has a huge influence over the way these opinions and statements are expressed in digital spaces, and the way that people interpret the information presented to them. ‘Hacktivism’ is the name given to digital acts of activism. Hacktivism offers people a new way to express themselves, and share their ideas with other like minded people, and even reach those that do not share their views on the world. This can be an effective way to cause change, by encouraging protesting in both digital and physical forms, which can actually have an effect on real world causes and policies.

References

Jordan, T., & Taylor, P. A. (2004). Hacktivism and cyberwars: Rebels with a cause? London: Routledge.

This book looks at the different forms of hacktivism, and the relationship between hacking and activism. It also looks at the history of hacking and how it evolved into a form of activism. The rise and evolution of the hacking underground scene is also talked about, and there is a brief timeline about the rise of hacking as a’god’ and ‘bad’ form of communicating ideas.

http://books.google.co.nz/books?hl=en&lr=&id=hew6jmcZvD4C&oi=fnd&pg=PP1&dq=hacktivism&ots=Wc4TE2hZZm&sig=hS7EmYKzMhTySzLLDZNFBo6T1uw#v=onepage&q=hacktivism&f=false

Joyce, M. (2010). Digital activism decoded: The new mechanics of change. New York: International Debate Education Association.

This book talks about the relationship of digital activism and social media (such as twitter and facebook), and how these social outlets have allowed ordinary people from around the world to share their political opinions and views. It talks about the social, economic and political factors involved with digital activism, the potential dangers and values of hacktivism.

http://books.google.co.nz/books?hl=en&lr=&id=w3AOzoq7VfIC&oi=fnd&pg=PR7&dq=digital+activism+as+design&ots=WleL2I1s8n&sig=ho7hWkRFLIhaqK_fpHNKvfENeeQ#v=onepage&q=digital%20activism%20as%20design&f=false

Samuel, A. W. (2004). Hackivism and the future of political participation.

This thesis talks about the relationship between digital activism and politics. It has a detailed description of what Hacktivism is actually defined as, and also has some examples of political hacktivism. It also goes on to look at the way hacktivism is perceived by the world, and how it is often considered to be a form of cyber terrorism.

http://www.alexandrasamuel.com/dissertation/pdfs/Samuel-Hacktivism-frontmatter.pdf