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Networked Hyperlocal Activists: Digital Democracy and Engagement in Sub-Saharan Africa
Social Media + Society ( IF 5.5 ) Pub Date : 2025-05-31 , DOI: 10.1177/20563051251345945
Nikolaos Toumaras

Digital activists play a pivotal role in fostering local democracy, civic participation, and social advocacy across sub-Saharan Africa. Using technological, social, and discursive layers of communication, these activists navigate complex socio-political environments to amplify marginalized voices and facilitate local governance dialogues. Platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook enable real-time communication, trust-building, and narrative framing within nano-media spaces, bridging online and offline interactions. Despite their transformative potential, significant challenges persist, including gender disparities, urban-rural divides, and platform-specific limitations that hinder inclusivity and scalability. The commodification of visibility on digital platforms and infrastructural inequities further constrain their impact. Addressing these barriers through improved digital infrastructure, digital literacy initiatives, and institutional support ensures the sustainability of hyperlocal nano-media efforts. These strategies showcase the interplay of local and digital approaches, advancing democracy and civic empowerment while navigating the unique complexities of African contexts.

中文翻译:

网络化超本地化活动家:撒哈拉以南非洲的数字民主和参与

数字活动家在促进撒哈拉以南非洲地区的地方民主、公民参与和社会宣传方面发挥着关键作用。这些活动家利用技术、社会和话语层面的沟通,在复杂的社会政治环境中游刃有余,以放大边缘化的声音并促进地方治理对话。WhatsApp 和 Facebook 等平台在纳米媒体空间内实现实时通信、建立信任和叙事框架,连接线上和线下互动。尽管它们具有变革潜力,但仍然存在重大挑战,包括性别差异、城乡鸿沟以及阻碍包容性和可扩展性的平台特定限制。数字平台可见性的商品化和基础设施不平等进一步限制了它们的影响。通过改进数字基础设施、数字素养计划和机构支持来解决这些障碍,可以确保超本地化纳米媒体工作的可持续性。这些策略展示了本地和数字方法的相互作用,在应对非洲独特复杂性的同时,推进民主和公民赋权。
更新日期:2025-05-31
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