Collective Action in Digital Activism: How Hashtags Mobilize Social Movements
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37899/mjds.v2i1.220Keywords:
Collective Action, Digital Activism, Digital Participation, Hashtag Campaigns, Online MobilizationAbstract
This study examines the role of hashtags in mobilizing collective action within digital activism in Indonesia. Using a quantitative research design, data were collected through a survey involving 400 social media users from diverse demographic backgrounds. Descriptive statistical analysis was employed to identify participation patterns, engagement frequency, perceived impacts, and barriers associated with hashtag-based activism. The findings indicate that digital activism is primarily driven by younger users, particularly students and young professionals. Sharing and reposting hashtags emerged as the most common forms of participation, while Twitter/X and Instagram were identified as the dominant platforms for activism. Respondents perceived hashtags as highly effective in raising awareness, fostering solidarity, and encouraging public discussion. However, their influence on policy change was considered less substantial. The study also identified several challenges, including short-lived public attention, misinformation, online harassment, and limited offline follow-through. These findings highlight the growing importance of hashtag activism in contemporary civic engagement and emphasize the need to integrate digital mobilization strategies with broader social and institutional efforts to achieve sustainable social change.
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