The types of actions engaged in by large but loosely structured individuals or groups are referred to as collective behavior. Collective behavior occurrences are generally spontaneous, stemming from a common experience among the group members. A social movement is a broadly based attempt by a large number of people to attain a certain objective, usually one of social significance. Social change is the process through which human interactions and connections affect cultural and social values over time, resulting in societal change. As a consequence, social transformation entails a shift in the social order. Shifts in social institutions, social behaviors, and social relationships are all possible.
In various ways, the worldwide spread of social media is already influencing how individuals pursue and define social change. The number of people who use social media sites, including Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, is increasing due to technological development and the reduction of the digital divide problem. Numerous local social movement initiatives have reached a wider audience due to advancements in digital communication tools (Xiong et al., 2019). Individual users can organize groups around certain issues and events via hashtag activism, a type of participatory culture (Xiong et al., 2019).
During the #MeToo campaign, social movement groups played an important role in online engagement by enticing hashtags (Xiong et al., 2019). As an example of analyzing social movements, social change, and the media, Hashtag activism provides an opportunity to establish virtual communities that would strive for real beneficial transformations. To my mind, this type of social movement in the media sphere can be both positive and negative. Hashtag activism, for instance, provokes collaboration and communication, but at the same time, some misunderstandings can occur, resulting in disinformation and fake initiatives.
Reference
Xiong, Y., Cho, M., & Boatwright, B. (2019). Hashtag activism and message frames among social movement organizations: Semantic network analysis and thematic analysis of Twitter during the# MeToo movement. Public Relations Review, 45(1), 10-23. Web.