The Power of Mobile Technology

The reading for this week highlights the impact of The Mobile Civil Society and gives several examples showing how individuals have used their cellular devices to effectuate change. Telephones have always been a major component of the public sphere. In the United States, it is very standard for citizens to call their elected officials to voice their concerns and express their needs. Civic organizations use phone banking- strategies that allow individuals to lobby their congressman or congresswoman regarding a specific issue. As much as the telephone has been purposeful to advocate, it has emerged as a tool to get candidates elected, educate the masses and even make it easier for individuals to make their banking transactions.

During the past presidential election, candidates from both parties had the technological capability to send campaign messages to supporters via text message. Not only could a person receive the campaign message, but they were also given the opportunity to financially contribute to the campaign.

In the assigned reading, Castells notes several instances where wireless communication has been used as a political tool for change. Particularly, In January 2001, thousands of Filipinos engaged in what they called People Power II to revolt against corrupt government practices by then President Joseph Estrada. Receiving information from their cell phone, demonstrators met at the original site of where the original People Power movement began.  The protest lasted for a little over 4 days and by the time it was finished several of the senators and cabinet members resigned. This signified both success and fulfillment for the movement. It is noted that over the course of the protest, over 70 million texts were transmitted.

Wireless communication has proven to be another form of non-violent direct action. If used strategically, major change can be made to reshape the global political landscape.