This paper argues that online networks play a crucial role in driving social change by increasing awareness and maintaining communities, by mobilisation and collective action and by amplifying marginalised voices. While critics argue that online activism is often performative and lacks tangible outcomes, evidence suggests that digital platforms serve as essential tools for modern advocacy and activism. Social media has become a crucial instrument for modern activism, allowing movements to develop, expand, and have a long-term influence (Olsson, 2021). It enables people to magnify their voices, mobilise communities, and challenge the status quo in ways that were previously impossible. This discussion situates itself within the “Online Networks and Social Change” stream by examining how digital connectivity reshapes collective action and societal transformation (Mundt et al., 2018). The rise of social media has significantly changed the way online communities are formed, sustained, and interacted with and has significantly transformed the landscape of social change, revolutionising activism, political engagement, and public discussions (Omar, 2024). Social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and TikTok provide insight and a view into social movements all around the world, giving a voice to those who don’t have and bringing action (Lee, 2023). Online networks and social media platforms allow individuals and organizations to directly influence and create social change within today’s society in both positive and negative ways (Ollson, 2021). Although online activism has been crucial in catalyzing major social movements, critics argue that digital participation may lack depth, with individuals engaging in “slacktivism”—symbolic support with minimal real-world action (Millward, 2019). Moreover, the prevalence of misinformation and algorithmic biases on social platforms can hinder effective advocacy (McLoughlin, 2024). While this ability to influence social change and society can provide both positive and negative outcomes there is no denying that online networks and social media platforms in themselves are a powerful driving force and one of the best tools to get the job done when advocating for change (Ollson, 2021). As social media continues to impact the future of activism, it is obvious that these platforms will remain critical in the struggle for social justice and equality.

Social media has allowed activists to spread their messages, making local issues known across the world and creating awareness of social movements (Mundt, 2018). Movements including #BlackLivesMatter and #MeToo are examples of how online networks have the ability to gain the attention of people worldwide wether they relate to a message or not, creating awareness and drawing attention to social injustices (Mundt, 2018). Hashtags serve as digital rallying points, allowing users to be involved in conversations, share their experiences, as well as educate others from all over the world. Live streaming and viral content provide unfiltered, firsthand accounts of events, bypassing traditional media gatekeepers (Zhang et al., 2023). Online networks also play an important role in establishing and maintaining groups that are crucial to social progress. Individuals with similar interests or life experiences can use digital platforms to connect, support, and work on common goals. These online networks generate a sense of belonging and collective identity, both of which are necessary for long-term activity (Matisi, 2021). Online networks not only mobilise people, but also nurture the community relationships required for long-term social chnage. With ongoing improvements in online digital technology, particularly social media, political activists now have access to a combination of communication channels, allowing them to further their causes not just locally, but also nationally and globally (Chen, 2021). Delanty (2018) states concisely that social media “are among the most social forms of technology ever devised; they have eliminated the distance which all previous communication technologies required and given rise to new opportunities for mass political mobilisation” (Matisi. 2021). The broad spectrum of social media allows people less privileged in the society, who would otherwise have no voice, to cast a light on important concerns and rally support. Once the general public is made aware of specific concerns raised by these marginalised voices, these topics may be debated, pondered on, and even protested if enough support is gathered.

One of the most significant contributions of online networks to social change is their ability to effectively and effieciently mobilise large audiences and create social control (Olsson, 2021). Social networks have been recognized for their ability to efficiently connect users to one another as well as for their significant value in regard to their influence and population created a way in which institutions, organizations and even individuals can influence social change (Olsson, 2021). Social media platforms provide activists with the ability to reach millions of people within seconds, avoiding the involvement of traditional avtivists (Mundt, 2018). An example of this would be the effect of social media patforms such as twitter and Facebook in organising and coordinating protests and events which led to the exposure of state repression in the Arab Spring 2010 (Matisi, 2021). Platforms such as these networks allow for interaction and communication in real time between protesters and enagaing audiences internationally, which tells us that that the use of online networks has driven social change and has played a crucial role in activism and in organising movements (Matisi, 2021). The Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement is another example that was significantly affected by online social exposure, gaining immense amounts of attention after the death of George Floyd in 2020 (Mundt, 2018). A hashtags such as #BlackLivesMatter was used repeatedly, over a millions of times within days, creating outrage and protests all around the world. Online networks allowed activists to communicate and relate gaining a voice in the matter as well as document the shocking behaviour of the police in the situation and causing discussions all over the world (Matisi, 2021). This again demonstrates that online networks are a powerful tool for rapid mobilization and sustained engagement facilitating the rapid organization of protests, petitions, and fundraising efforts. Platforms such as Change.org and GoFundMe allow individuals to support causes instantly. Social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter were used to spread ideas and generate support across a diverse community in order to try out “new strategies as events took place on the ground” (Matisi, 2021). It was this community support gained through social. Social media continues to play an intrinsic role in political campaigns, whether they be for individuals or parties in elections, or important issues being aired in public to ensure community awareness, and will remain a crucial tool for political activism for some time to come (Omar,2024).

Another key factor contributing to the development of social change is the amplification and encouragement of overlooked voices. In the past, society has been known to often overlook the voices of oppressed groups and ignore the concerns of those who have less of a voice (Greenfield, 2018). Online networks have given unrepresented groups, communiities and individuals a voice and have provided an opportunity for them to have a say, be included and be represented in society and social change movements (Olsson, 2021). A group administrator that was interviewed noted that social media worked as an amplifier, he mentioned how he felt that it had made the concern and movement feel more legit and added sound to the voice of those who needed a voice allowing it to reach people it wouldn’t normally have reached (Mundt et al.). These people have discovered digital technology “to be inexpensive, powerful tools” for overcoming the limits of conventional media. Digital technologies, such as the Internet, have enabled various social movements, allowing previously excluded people to express themselves and organise efforts to effect change (Ortiz et al. 2019). The realisation that online networks have the ability to enhance the livelihoods of the less fortunate is not new, it is unknown how marginalised individuals utilise modern technology to voice their concerns and promote their interests (Ortiz et al. 2019). By creating a forum for expression, social media platforms allow marginalised individuals to share their unique experiences, perspectives, and stories with a global audience. By creating online communities social media has enabled marginalised individuals to communicate with others who have been through similar experiences. These online support groups promote a sense of community and companionship. In order to raise awareness, marginalised voices may use social media to highlight systemic injustices, discrimination, and inequality (Pearce, 2020). Prior to the internet, marginalised communities had to share their tales primarily through traditional media means such as newspapers, radio, and television (Olsson, 2021). These channels, which were frequently dominated by corporate or political interests, were known for providing a restricted and biassed image of these areas. Traditional media’s depiction of marginalised voices was terribly insufficient, ranging from stereotyping them to outright ignoring their issues ( Mundt, 2018). This meant that a large proportion of the people had little to no control over how the world regarded them (Olsson, 2021). However, the internet has altered all of that. With the emergence of digital media such as blogs, podcasts, YouTube channels, Twitter threads, and TikTok videos, marginalised populations now have the ability to tell their own experiences. They no longer need to seek permission from editors or media gatekeepers to make their opinions heard. Consider the growth of the #OwnVoices movement in literature, which encourages marginalised authors to share their own stories rather than relying on others to do so (Welbers, 2018). This trend, propelled by social media, has enabled innumerable authors to share their own tales of identity, hardship, and perseverance, challenging preconceptions and providing a more nuanced perspective on their experiences (Li, 2022). Furthermore, the usage of hashtags has changed how movements propagate on the internet. Hashtags such as #BlackLivesMatter and #MeToo have not only encouraged conversations, but also served as rallying calls for collective action. Individuals may use these hashtags to easily connect with people who have had similar experiences and amplify their views on a global scale.

Despite their advantages, online networks face criticism regarding the effectiveness of digital activism. Critics argue that “slacktivism” – passive online support without real-world impact – undermines genuine activism (Morozov, 2011). However, research indicates that online engagement often translates into offline action. For instance, the Women’s March in 2017 began as a Facebook event but materialized into one of the largest protests in history (Fisher, 2019). Critics argue that online activism often results in performative gestures rather than meaningful action. The trend of blacking out Instagram profiles during #BlackOutTuesday, for example, was criticized for being symbolic rather than substantive (Greijdanus, 2020). While digital activism raises awareness, it must be complemented by offline action, such as voting, policy advocacy, and community engagement.Online networks facilitate the rapid organization of protests, petitions, and fundraising efforts. Platforms such as Change.org and GoFundMe allow individuals to support causes instantly. The 2019 Hong Kong protests exemplify how encrypted messaging apps like Telegram enabled activists to coordinate large-scale demonstrations while evading government surveillance (Matisi, 2021). Despite their effectiveness, online networks are not without limitations. Governments and corporations can manipulate digital spaces through censorship, misinformation campaigns, and internet shutdowns (Millward, 2019). As such, activists must develop alternative communication strategies to safeguard their movements. Social media algorithms prioritize content that maximizes engagement, often favoring sensationalism over substantive discourse (Mundt, 2018). Activists have reported instances where platforms suppress controversial content due to moderation policies or corporate interests. Decentralized and alternative digital platforms may provide solutions by prioritizing user control and transparency (Olsson, 2021).  Additionally, concerns about misinformation and digital echo chambers pose challenges to online activism. While these issues are valid, media literacy initiatives and fact-checking mechanisms have been implemented to mitigate misinformation (Zhuravskaya et al., 2020). Rather than dismissing online activism, efforts should focus on enhancing digital literacy and ensuring responsible information sharing.

Overall, online networks have revelutionised the landscape of social change, providing platforms for creating awareness, mobilization, and advocacy (Heidemann, 2019). While these changes come with numerous amounts of unprecedented opportunities for grassroots activism, challenges such as misinformation, performative activism, and algorithmic bias must be addressed to ensure their effectiveness (Zaidan, 2025). By fostering digital literacy, implementing fact-checking mechanisms, and integrating online efforts with offline action, activists can maximize the potential of online networks in driving meaningful and sustainable change (Mundt, 2018). Since online networks are an effective way of relaying information to many users at once, they can succeed in making activism simplified for those who wish to participate. Without the need for any effort, whether these actions can truly be considered real activism is beyond the scope of this paper, but the argument that online networks have a significant role in social change is an indisputable fact (Bornann-Potter, 2022). 

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