Understanding Video Activism on Social Media - by Jens Eder & Britta Hartmann & Chris Tedjasukmana (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

What political power do videos have on social media? And how can democratic activists on the Internet assert themselves against propaganda, disinformation and the entertainment industry? Understanding video activism is becoming ever more important at a time when moving images on platforms are increasingly influencing political processes. 22 illus.

A PDF version of this book is available for free in Open Access: Understanding Video Activism on Social Media. It has been made available under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International Public Licence.

Review Quotes

'If you want to understand the power of video activism not just as a political tool but as a social force, please read this book. The authors manage to analyze in depth the historical, rhetorical, aesthetical, and other aspects of video activism and how it is enmeshed in the distribution logic of social media. Due to its geopolitical scope combined with a broad analytical framework, Understanding Video Activism on Social Media is an eye-opener for students, scholars, and activists alike.'

'This book offers a thorough and engaging review of the changing contexts, practices and forms of video activism. It is alert to shifts in technology and aesthetics as well as to changing modes of access and engagement, framing these within broader political and economic factors. Clear and provocative, it will refresh and stimulate the debate about what media 'activism' now means and what it could mean in the settings of both vigorous platform capitalism and increasing tendencies to authoritarian restriction.'

'This book offers valuable insights into the evolving role of video in activism. The authors discuss video activism across various time periods and media forms, from documentary films to TikTok videos. They provide a unique perspective on the continuity and specificities in how videos are deployed to champion causes and mobilize collective action. By incorporating relevant concepts and theories, the authors enrich the discussion with a strong analytical framework. Rich with both historical and contemporary case examples, this book will be a useful resource for media communication scholars and students.'

'This rich analysis of video activism shows how activists use video production and platform technologies to create often impressive public engagement for their causes. The authors examine an intriguing variety of cases that reveal the challenges and opportunities facing movements in increasingly noisy communication environments. In addition, the book places video activism in the larger contests of platforms, power, and geopolitics. Students of social movements, democracy, and media will find this a valuable resource that changes how we think about activist communication.'

About the Author

Jens Eder teaches media studies, aesthetics, and narrative theory at the Filmuniversität Babelsberg KONRAD WOLF, Potsdam, Germany. Britta Hartmann teaches film studies and audiovisual media cultures at the University of Bonn, Germany. Chris Tedjasukmana is professor of everyday media and digital cultures at the Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz, Germany.