ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book focuses on the use of digital technology in different social movements, communities, and campaigns—from the Indignados in Europe and Mexico and to women seeking social justice. It analyzes the many ways that information communication technologies (ICTs) are changing the structure and tactics of social movements and the case studies serves as illustrative examples that can assist in updating social movement theories. The book provides a summary of the history and trajectory of social movement theory as it has been developed and adjusted over the past few decades. It explores ICTs as tools for social change outside of formal social movement organizations. The book examines specific contemporary social movements to highlight the relevance of new media in contentious politics and to explore how this use of ICTs and new media informs and updates social movement theories.
