While young, politically minded German citizens were gathering in Second Life to protest against right-wing extremism, French youngsters were debating the merits of presidential candidates. As for the youth of America, they are catching on.

Students are increasingly finding it very effective to sign online petitions or blog about issues.  "E-activism and blogging online are so much more popular these days as venues for youth expressing their opinions and expressing discontent," said Phaedra Pezzullo, an assistant professor of rhetoric and public culture at Indiana University in Bloomington . "Many will sign a petition online and say they were active."

At first glance, this online activism seems quite removed from the political culture. But both forms are appropriate in their respective generations, because they make appeals to the youth of those decades. While marching, picketing and rallying were popular among the Bohemian romantics of the 60’s and 70’s digital dissidence and democracy are popular among members of the Internet generation.

Some may argue that E-activism is not enough, but others view these first baby steps into our ‘second life’ as the beginning of something huge. If the Earth is truly flat, then the Internet is the steamroller. As these Web 2.0 technologies continue to spur the development of online communities, the Internet will from this point forward forever be used as a forum for civic debate and discussion.

 
Links:

French Politics go Surreal

Protests marches going way of Internet

Wes Boling, PoliticsOnline Intern - Spring 2007