The effects of the Internet's global invasion have been widely publicized, and it seems like even the most techno-ignorant are talking about "interactive"-this and "Internet"-that. Let's face it--when Hollywood studios, branded advertisers, and Wall Street all get their hands on something, you can bet it's being primed to turn a buck (or a billion).
Despite interest in the 'Net's commercial potential, perhaps the most meaningful and effective use of global connectivity is to create environmental and sociopolitical change. In the world of online activism, the power to change the world lays within reach of everyone with a 'Net connection. Instant access, which is the beauty of the Internet, promotes an action-based culture, rather than the passive well-wishes and good intentions our rat-race busy lives seem to breed.
With the advent of the Internet, users have been able to communicate across continents and access vast amounts information within seconds. With increasing frequency, millions of people each day are contacting activist organiztions via e-mail and Web sites. Interactivists today are able to effect changes in the real world more quickly and easily than generations of activists before them. While the days of actual protesting are far from over, concerned individuals can now become involved in world issues without leaving their desk.
Most organizations active on the 'Net are primarily concerned with educating the public and then attempting to get them involved - an approach similar to traditional activist efforts - however, the Internet allows faster and cheaper worldwide communication than more traditional methods. Many sites allow users to directly e-mail or fax other organizations - on both sides of an issue - with pre-formatted letters or blank templates the user can fill in themselves. For example, the Girvies Davis home page allowed users to e-mail the Governor of Illinois to request clemency for the death row inmate. Similarly, the Yellow Ribbon home page implores users to e-mail their representatives, senators and even President Clinton to assist in the release of U.S. political prisoners currently held in Iraq.
Resources available to the activist vary according to the degree each person wants to become involved. Users can begin by browsing their own area(s) of interest using any of the various search engines available. Network providers, such as EcoWeb and IGC (Institute for Global Communications) have thousands of links to other organizations, each of which have their own links to like-minded groups. Large organizations, such as Amnesty International, Rainforest Action Network and the Sierra Club, have extensive web pages yet smaller groups, like Free Burma and Global Exchange, have the resources and passion to develop equally impressive sites. In fact, creating your own World Wide Web page is not as difficult as it may seem.
As global problems seem to parallel explosive population growth (while moral and social responsibility appear to be in a similar state of decline), activists' hopes for the Internet's future tend to mirror those of other groups with a stake to claim on the 'Net. The difference is in their spirited dreams for a truly active global 'Net. Some of these Interactivist's ideas will likely change the nature of our relationship with political decision-makers and corporations by holding them increasingly accountable for their obligation to the planet.
Technology can indeed be a two-edged sword: On one hand, it has the potential to create distance between ourselves and the community at large. On the other, the ability to communicate directly with so many of the earth's inhabitants has never been so profound. As more and more people become part of the online community its power increases, opening the door to a greater sense of global communication.
