Rumoring Theory and the Internet

Abstract

The Internet is the newest medium of communication used by movement activists. As such, it has advantages and disadvantages. This article uses a rumoring framework to explain how the Internet works to diffuse information. Using the framework presented, the author discusses how social movement organizations working at the grassroots level are using the new technology to further their causes. In addition, the author looks at the implications of grassroots organizations' use of the Internet in the future by analyzing the growth of this new medium of communication. This article concludes that although the Internet is quickly growing and becoming more accessible to users around the world, several dimensions of the technology are political. The degree to which the Internet will influence social movements depends on the extent and ways that it is used by grassroots organizations in the next 7 years.