Constraints and Affordances

The constraints and affordances of digital activism described by Madison and Klang appear more readily in such an abstract, controversial movement like anti-consumerism and anti-capitalism. On the one hand, Twitter user https://twitter.com/mhdksafa posts his criticism of the economic abuse of the working class, but does not show much indication of making political change, supporting the argument that digital activism is futile and serves to make the user feel better without concrete change. His activism feels more like a rant, or a complaint, without a call to action for his subscribers. On the other hand, Twitter user http://twitter.com/littlegreentip1 uses Madison and Klang's concept of transformation, shifting the focus of activism from rallies and mob-mentality to the small individual changes one can use to reduce consumption by advocating for sustainable farming in a visually interesting way. Her smaller-scale activism might inspire more change because of its perceived accessibility, availible through the digital platform in a way (for example) almanacs are not.