Guerrilla Democracy: Mobile Power and Revolution in the 21st Century

Big data and social media have the potential to create more responsive democracies and workplaces, but they are also associated with election meddling, privacy invasion, fake news, and an exploitative gig economy. Guerrilla democrats use digital technologies to foster hope and connection, offering an in-depth analysis of platform-based radical movements.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 292 pages
\n Publication date: 20 July 2021
\n Publisher: Bristol University Press
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Big data and social media hold immense potential for creating more responsive democracies and workplaces, offering a liberating promise. However, this potential is overshadowed by a concerning landscape of election meddling, privacy invasion, fake news, and the emergence of an exploitative gig economy. Despite these challenges, guerrilla democrats persist in using digital technologies to foster hope and connection, serving as a beacon of light in the face of regressive forces that spread disinformation and hate.

In this book, we delve into the realm of platform-based radical movements, encompassing online coalitions of voters and activists, as well as the Deliveroo and Uber strikes. By combining cutting-edge theories with empirical research, we provide a comprehensive analysis of these movements. Our findings make a valuable contribution to the emerging literature on the relationship between technology and society, offering insights into the ways in which digital platforms are shaping social and political dynamics.

One of the key themes explored in this book is the role of technology in facilitating the emergence of new forms of collective action. Platforms such as social media and online communities have provided a space for individuals to come together and organize around shared interests and values, challenging traditional power structures and enabling collective action on a scale that was previously unimaginable. This has led to the emergence of a range of platform-based radical movements, from the Occupy Wall Street protests to the Black Lives Matter movement, which have used digital technologies to mobilize large numbers of people and raise awareness about important social and political issues.

Another important aspect of this book is the impact of technology on social inequality and worker exploitation. The gig economy, characterized by temporary and contract-based work, has emerged as a dominant feature of the modern labor market. While it offers flexibility and convenience for workers, it also perpetuates low wages, lack of job security, and poor working conditions. Guerrilla democrats have recognized the potential of digital technologies to challenge these exploitative practices, using platforms such as Uber and Deliveroo to organize strikes and protests against low wages and poor working conditions.

Furthermore, this book explores the role of technology in shaping political discourse and public opinion. The spread of fake news and disinformation on social media has had a significant impact on democratic processes, as it can manipulate public opinion and influence election outcomes. Guerrilla democrats have responded to this challenge by using digital technologies to fact-check and debunk false information, and to promote transparency and accountability in political institutions.

Despite the many challenges posed by big data and social media, this book offers a hopeful vision for the future. By leveraging the power of digital technologies, guerrilla democrats can continue to foster hope and connection, challenging the status quo and promoting a more inclusive and democratic society. As we navigate the complex terrain of technology and society, it is essential to recognize the potential of guerrilla democrats to drive positive change and build a more equitable and sustainable future.

\n Weight: 448g\n
Dimension: 156 x 234 x 19 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781529205640\n \n