Media Releases
‘Slacktivism’ or changing the world?
‘Slacktivism’ or changing the world?
Does social media fuel revolutions and democracy? Or does the constant stream of cat videos and corporate advertisements turn us into complacent consumers?
These modern day issues will be explored in a James Cook University public lecture in Townsville next week.
Dr Theresa Petray, from JCU’s Discipline of Sociology, will present The Revolution will not (just) be Tweeted: Social Media and Social Movements on Thursday, April 10.
The lecture is part of JCU’s popular Science & Society in the Tropics Public Lecture Series, hosted by the Faculty of Arts, Education & Social Sciences.
Dr Petray’s lecture will explore what works, and what doesn’t, for activists using social media.
“Through examples of recent campaigns, I will argue that social media can be a useful tool for activists – as long as it is not the only one,” Dr Petray said.
“From the infamous Kony 2012 campaign to the Occupy Gezi movement in Turkey, from March in March to No Make-up Selfies, the internet plays a big role in how activists organise.”
Dr Petray said some campaigns were quick and effective, and others become the butt of jokes.
“I will talk through some of the things affecting the success of an online campaign. I compare what is happening now on social media with pre-internet activism – there are fundamentals that remain the same, but the speed and intensity is certainly new.”
BIOGRAPHY
Theresa Petray is a lecturer in sociology and anthropology in the School of Arts & Social Sciences. She researches social movements, with a focus on Aboriginal activism in North Queensland and online. Theresa is interested in the ways that social media gives everyday people an avenue to exercise agency, speak to those in power, and work to change the world. Theresa is the Secretary of The Australian Sociological Association, a Fellow of the Australian Anthropological Society, and an Associate of the Indigenous Studies Research Network.
Date: Thursday 10th April
Time: 5.30pm. 6.00pm Presentation commences
Place: Education Central, Building 134-010, James Cook University Townsville campus
Everyone is welcome
For more information please email: Kiara.cantamessa1@jcu.edu.au
JCU Media contact: Caroline Kaurila, tel: (07) 4781 4586 or 0437 028 175
Issued: 4 April, 2014