Digital media and political change

Abstract

The study problematizes the dominant narrative of digital media as an opportunity for resistance and democratization. The focus is on young online activists in Zimbabwe, where ZANU PF party has ruled with an iron fist since independence in 1980. The context is characterized by a young population, by an ongoing economic crisis, and by violent political tensions. Online and offline forms of resistance by Zimbabweans in the country and in the diaspora are well documented in the literature. Through content analysis and semi-structured interviews with activists living in Zimbabwe, the study seeks to highlight challenges and new forms of repression in the digital domain. These include intimidation and monitoring of activists, slacktivism and counter-narratives by pro-government actors.