Describe two ways in which new communication technology in the last two decades has affected social movements.

What will be an ideal response?

Students can discuss the fact that some scholars believe online communications isolates individuals, thereby limiting their likely participation in social movements, and threatening the continued existence of the movements themselves. There is also the idea of “slackivism” - low-cost and low-commitment activism that often has little to no impact. Some people argue thought that social media creates a more horizontal and democratic “public space” in which social movements can form and act.