DIGITAL ACTIVISM AND THE MOVEMENT TOWARD SOCIAL CHANGE: A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW OF SOCIAL MEDIA MOVEMENTS

Authors

  • Nur Octavia Dian Rahayuningsih Universitas Hasanuddin
  • Syamsuddin Aziz Hasanuddin University
  • Muhammad Akbar Hasanuddin University

Keywords:

Digital Activism, Social Media, Social Change, Political Communication, Systematic Review

Abstract

This systematic literature review explores the role of social media in digital activism and its significance in mobilizing and raising awareness of social and political issues. By analyzing 26 relevant studies published between 2020 and 2024, this review highlights how social media platforms empower individuals and groups particularly youth to disseminate information, build collective awareness, and engage in public discourse. The findings indicate that digital activism has transformative potential in democratizing communication and amplifying marginalized voices. However, several challenges remain, such as the spread of misinformation, the hijacking of activism for conspiratorial agendas, and the difficulty in measuring the tangible impact of online actions on real-world social and policy change. The study also identifies the most frequently used theories (e.g., Social Movement Theory, Framing Theory, Connective Action), common research methods (qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods), and thematic contexts such as racial justice, feminism, environmental activism, and misinformation. Most studies rely heavily on Twitter (X) as the primary platform, suggesting a need for cross-platform analysis in future research. This review concludes that while social media is an essential tool for digital activism, further research is required to develop effective communication strategies, assess long-term impacts, and explore activism in the Global South. Ultimately, this study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on media and communication by emphasizing the complex, dynamic, and evolving nature of digital activism in shaping sustainable social change.

 

Author Biographies

Syamsuddin Aziz, Hasanuddin University

Tinjauan literatur sistematis ini mengeksplorasi peran media sosial dalam aktivisme digital serta signifikansinya dalam memobilisasi dan meningkatkan kesadaran terhadap isu-isu sosial dan politik. Melalui analisis terhadap 26 studi relevan yang diterbitkan antara tahun 2020 hingga 2024, tinjauan ini menunjukkan bahwa platform media sosial memberdayakan individu dan kelompok terutama generasi muda untuk menyebarkan informasi, membangun kesadaran kolektif, dan terlibat dalam wacana publik. Temuan ini menunjukkan bahwa aktivisme digital memiliki potensi transformatif dalam mendemokratisasi komunikasi dan memperkuat suara kelompok marjinal. Namun, masih terdapat tantangan seperti penyebaran misinformasi, pembajakan aktivisme oleh agenda konspiratif, serta kesulitan dalam mengukur dampak dari aksi-aksi berani terhadap perubahan sosial dan kebijakan. Studi ini juga mengidentifikasi teori-teori yang paling sering digunakan (misalnya Teori Gerakan Sosial, Teori Framing dan Connective Action), metode penelitian (Kualitatif, Kuantitatif, dan campuran), serta konteks isu seperti keadilan rasial, feminisme, aktivisme lingkungan, dan disinformasi. Sebagian besar penelitian berfokus pada twitter (x) dan menunjukkan perlunya analisis lintas platform dalam studi mendatang. Kajian ini menyimpulkan bahwa meskipun media sosial menjadi alat penting dalam aktivisme digital, dibutuhkan penelitian lanjutan untuk mengembangkan strategi komunikasi yang efektif, mengukur dampak jangka panjang, dan mengeksplorasi dinamika aktivisme di wilayah Global South. Pada akhirnya, studi ini memberikan kontribusi terhadap pengembangan ilmu komunikasi dengan menekankan kompleksitas dan dinamika aktivisme digital dalam mendorong perubahan sosial yang berkelanjutan.

Muhammad Akbar , Hasanuddin University

Tinjauan literatur sistematis ini mengeksplorasi peran media sosial dalam aktivisme digital serta signifikansinya dalam memobilisasi dan meningkatkan kesadaran terhadap isu-isu sosial dan politik. Melalui analisis terhadap 26 studi relevan yang diterbitkan antara tahun 2020 hingga 2024, tinjauan ini menunjukkan bahwa platform media sosial memberdayakan individu dan kelompok terutama generasi muda untuk menyebarkan informasi, membangun kesadaran kolektif, dan terlibat dalam wacana publik. Temuan ini menunjukkan bahwa aktivisme digital memiliki potensi transformatif dalam mendemokratisasi komunikasi dan memperkuat suara kelompok marjinal. Namun, masih terdapat tantangan seperti penyebaran misinformasi, pembajakan aktivisme oleh agenda konspiratif, serta kesulitan dalam mengukur dampak dari aksi-aksi berani terhadap perubahan sosial dan kebijakan. Studi ini juga mengidentifikasi teori-teori yang paling sering digunakan (misalnya Teori Gerakan Sosial, Teori Framing dan Connective Action), metode penelitian (Kualitatif, Kuantitatif, dan campuran), serta konteks isu seperti keadilan rasial, feminisme, aktivisme lingkungan, dan disinformasi. Sebagian besar penelitian berfokus pada twitter (x) dan menunjukkan perlunya analisis lintas platform dalam studi mendatang. Kajian ini menyimpulkan bahwa meskipun media sosial menjadi alat penting dalam aktivisme digital, dibutuhkan penelitian lanjutan untuk mengembangkan strategi komunikasi yang efektif, mengukur dampak jangka panjang, dan mengeksplorasi dinamika aktivisme di wilayah Global South. Pada akhirnya, studi ini memberikan kontribusi terhadap pengembangan ilmu komunikasi dengan menekankan kompleksitas dan dinamika aktivisme digital dalam mendorong perubahan sosial yang berkelanjutan.

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2025-09-30

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Rahayuningsih, N. O. D., Aziz, S., & Akbar , M. (2025). DIGITAL ACTIVISM AND THE MOVEMENT TOWARD SOCIAL CHANGE: A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW OF SOCIAL MEDIA MOVEMENTS. Jurnal Spektrum Komunikasi, 13(3), 367–391. Retrieved from https://journal.stikosa-aws.ac.id/index.php/spektrum/article/view/1000

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Vol. 13 No. 3 (2025): Jurnal Spektrum Komunikasi : September 2025

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