Invisible machines. Collective action through digital space

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• Introduction
• The Rise of “Invisible Machines”
• The “Hacker Ethic” and the Politics of Technology
• Assemblages, Agency and Political Action in Networked Spaces
• Social Media, the Internet, and the New Technologies of Social Movements
• The Limits of the Network: Social Movement Emergence and the “Internet of Things”
• Conclusion

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This thesis explores the complex relationship between social movements, technology, and political action in the contemporary digital landscape. By examining the rise of "invisible machines" – networked collective action facilitated by digital technologies – the work seeks to understand how social movements utilize online spaces to achieve their goals and challenge existing power structures.

• The role of technology in shaping contemporary social movements
• The intersection of online and offline activism
• The evolution of social movement strategies in the digital age
• The impact of "invisible machines" on political participation and social change
• The limitations and challenges of utilizing technology for collective action

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

• The Introduction sets the stage by posing fundamental questions about social movements, such as their emergence, tactics, and impact on institutions. It also introduces the concept of "invisible machines" as a framework for analyzing networked collective action.
• Chapter 1 delves into the historical context of "invisible machines" by examining the rise of digital technologies and their influence on social movements. It explores the emergence of online platforms and their role in facilitating collective action.
• Chapter 2 focuses on the "hacker ethic" and its relationship to the politics of technology. It analyzes how hacker culture has shaped the development of digital tools and how these tools are utilized by social movements.
• Chapter 3 introduces the concept of "assemblages" as a theoretical framework for understanding agency and political action in networked spaces. It discusses how social movements emerge and function as assemblages, utilizing diverse elements and technologies to achieve their objectives.
• Chapter 4 examines the role of social media, the internet, and new technologies in shaping contemporary social movements. It explores the ways in which social movements leverage digital platforms to mobilize supporters, disseminate information, and engage in political discourse.
• Chapter 5 analyzes the limitations and challenges of utilizing technology for collective action. It discusses the potential for digital technologies to be used for surveillance and repression, as well as the importance of considering the broader social context within which social movements operate.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

This thesis explores the intersection of social movements, technology, and political action, focusing on concepts such as "invisible machines," digital networks, collective action, agency, assemblage theory, social media, the internet, and the "internet of things." It delves into the evolving nature of social movement strategies in the digital age, examining the opportunities and challenges presented by technology for promoting social change.