This document discusses internet activism in response to the 2012 Delhi gang rape case. It raises questions about whether people would have commented if their peers did not, and whether online activism translates to real-world action. It notes how people try to distinguish themselves from others online, and questions how long such online activism lasts. Overall, it examines the motivations for and implications of virtual activism in response to serious issues.

1. Are You ‘In’ Or Have You ‘Only’
Voiced Yourself?
By Ankit Dwivedi

2. The Youth Internet Activism
• The incident of brutal gang rape that occurred in capital city
on December 16, 2012 and fortunately got reported by the
mainstream media drew huge reactions in the cyber world.
• The flooding of tweets, statuses, photos and posts emerged
as early as news came in and became the subject of attention
for all the internet users in India.
• People spent significant time to vent out their emotions and
ideas on public platforms to show their concern.

3. The reality check?
• Whether they would have reported or commented on the
issue in the same manner if it would not have been
highlighted or if their peers would not have done the same.
• Whether ‘showing’ virtual concern is a part of virtual social
responsibility and a means of building up a ‘concerned’ social
image catching up with the peers active in cyber activism.
• Whether those who project their ideas on online platforms
are equivocal and equally active in real life for the issue they
are voicing.
• These questions put forth serious accusations on those who
want to join sides of concerned citizens by mere online
activity.

4. • I am confused to see such activism in cyber space.
• I am further confused where should I land in this
‘concerned’ virtual world.
• Absence of any online reaction from my part is leading my
friends and people to believe that I am not aware or not
bothered or preoccupied in my misleading activities or I am
hiding away from harsh realities of such criminal activities.
• I feel pressurized by the provocation to share content and
compulsion to participate in online activities created by my
peers to join their sides and to be perceived as a sensible and
concerned human.

5. The “I am different” disease
• Internet activism is marked by availability of enormous
content online and possibility to share instantly to a global
audience.
• An interesting thing to note is that while sharing concern
people tend to align themselves with the rest while, at the
same time they try to distinguish themselves from the rest.
• Many of the self-created posts start with a criticism of other
ideas, people and methodologies, while a different approach
is presented as superior and only way a possibility should be
perceived.
• A similar concern is regarding the perish ability of such
activism. Such activism could be a part of viral tendencies
which die out in same manner as they breed.

6. From I support the ‘cause’ rather ‘I
support’ the cause.
• An incident of rape and the inhuman treatment was not new
for the Indian society.
• Such incidents have now become a part of routine life and
daily news and most of us either wish to ignore or simply
ignore these daily incidents because of lack of concern or
unwillingness to make an effort for change.
• It is ironical to see a sea of people professing online activism,
while just a handful of people working and advocating issues
in real life.
• Even then, I am happy to witness and observe an online tide
against crime on women.

7. • Read more on Youth Ki Awaaz at http://bit.ly/V6H3sq