Connected Resistance and Redefining Activism: The Discursive Value of Mobile Protesting in Jamaica

Abstract

Using experiences in M-Protesting in Jamaica, the current study highlights the discursive values of mobile phones for protesting. Drawing on a qualitative descriptive approach that fuses case study and discourse analysis, the original findings illustrated how protestors valued mobile smartphones as both “effective” and “efficient” tools for various aspects of protesting compared to traditional “brick-and-mortar” techniques. Respondents noted that smartphones enable deeper engagement with broader audiences through meaningful, real-time dialogue. Mobile phones were described as effective because of their immediacy and interactivity, surpassing the limitations of placards and roadblocks, allowing protestors to disseminate information rapidly, respond to inquiries, and mobilize support without geographical constraints. They were also described as “efficient” because they reach a wide cross-section of society instantaneously, leveraging multiple communication channels such as messaging apps, social media, and email. In light of current technological advancements, including the popular integration of AI features into mobile devices, these findings suggest that digital protests may become increasingly data-driven and personalized.