Online petition platforms revolutionize civic engagement

Online petition platforms

Karina Zhukova

2010-02-19 22:12

The rise of online petition platforms such as Change.org and Avaaz since the 2010s has revolutionized civic engagement, offering a powerful tool for mobilizing public opinion and advocating for social and political change. These platforms have enabled individuals and communities to raise awareness, influence policy decisions, and hold governments and organizations accountable.

The digital age has transformed how people engage with social and political issues, with online petitions and civic initiative platforms emerging as key tools for grassroots activism. Since the 2010s, platforms like Change.org and Avaaz have empowered millions of people around the world to participate in campaigns for change, transcending geographical boundaries and amplifying the voices of individuals and marginalized groups.

Emergence of online petition platforms

Early development and adoption

The concept of online petitions existed before the 2010s, but it was during this decade that platforms dedicated to civic initiatives began to gain widespread popularity.

Change.org (2007): Founded in 2007, Change.org initially focused on creating social networks for activists. By 2010, the platform shifted its focus to online petitions, allowing users to create and sign petitions on a wide range of issues. Change.org quickly became one of the largest platforms for online activism, with millions of users worldwide.
Avaaz (2007): Also founded in 2007, Avaaz positioned itself as a global civic organization focused on issues such as climate change, human rights, and corruption. Avaaz uses online petitions as one of its primary tools for mobilizing public opinion and orchestrating global campaigns.

Rise of digital activism

The emergence of these platforms coincided with the rise of digital activism, where the internet and social media became key channels for political engagement and advocacy.

Social media integration: Online petition platforms integrated with social media networks, allowing petitions to be shared widely and rapidly, increasing their visibility and potential impact. This integration facilitated the viral spread of petitions, drawing attention to issues that might otherwise be overlooked by traditional media.
Accessibility and inclusivity: The accessibility of online petition platforms lowered the barriers to participation in civic initiatives, enabling people from diverse backgrounds and regions to engage in activism. These platforms democratized advocacy by allowing anyone with internet access to start or support a campaign.

Development and impact of online petitions

Mobilizing public opinion

Online petitions have become an effective tool for mobilizing public opinion, allowing citizens to collectively voice their concerns and demands.

Petition success stories: Numerous petitions on platforms like Change.org and Avaaz have led to tangible outcomes, such as policy changes, corporate accountability, and legal reforms. For example, a petition on Change.org in 2012 successfully pressured Bank of America to drop a proposed $5 monthly debit card fee after it garnered over 300,000 signatures.
Global reach: The global reach of these platforms has enabled activists to draw attention to issues that transcend national borders, such as climate change, human rights abuses, and global health crises. Avaaz’s campaigns have often focused on international issues, mobilizing millions of people from different countries to advocate for global change.

Political and social impact

The widespread use of online petitions has had significant political and social impacts, influencing decision-makers and raising awareness of critical issues.

Influencing policy: Online petitions have influenced policy decisions at various levels of government. In some cases, petitions have prompted legislative changes, as elected officials respond to the pressure of large-scale public support. For instance, in 2019, a petition on Change.org calling for the removal of the UK’s tampon tax received over 300,000 signatures, contributing to the eventual abolition of the tax in 2021.
Corporate accountability: Companies and organizations have also been targets of online petitions, leading to changes in corporate practices. Public pressure through petitions has compelled companies to adopt more ethical practices, such as improving labor conditions, reducing environmental impact, and addressing consumer concerns.

Challenges and criticisms

Despite their success, online petition platforms face several challenges and criticisms related to their effectiveness, transparency, and ethical considerations.

Clicktivism: Critics argue that online petitions can encourage "clicktivism" or slacktivism, where individuals engage in low-effort online activism (e.g., signing a petition) without taking further action. This can create a false sense of accomplishment and potentially dilute the impact of more sustained, in-depth activism.
Transparency and accountability: Concerns have been raised about the transparency and accountability of online petition platforms, particularly regarding data privacy, the use of collected data, and the financial interests of the platforms themselves. For instance, some platforms have been criticized for monetizing petitions by promoting paid campaigns or collecting user data for marketing purposes.

Future directions and evolution

Technological advancements

The future of online petition platforms will likely be shaped by ongoing technological advancements that enhance their effectiveness and reach.

Artificial intelligence and data analytics: The use of AI and data analytics could improve the targeting and personalization of petitions, helping campaigns reach the most relevant audiences and increasing their chances of success. These technologies could also be used to analyze trends and predict the potential impact of petitions.
Blockchain and decentralization: Blockchain technology could be employed to enhance the transparency and security of online petitions, ensuring that signatures are verifiable and that the process is resistant to tampering. Decentralized platforms could offer more accountability and user control over data.

Expanding civic engagement

Online petition platforms are likely to continue evolving to support broader forms of civic engagement, beyond traditional petitions.

Civic tech integration: Platforms may increasingly integrate with other civic technologies, such as online voting systems, participatory budgeting platforms, and digital town halls, providing users with more ways to engage in democratic processes.
Global collaboration: The continued expansion of online petition platforms will facilitate greater global collaboration on issues that require collective action, such as climate change, human rights, and global health. These platforms could play a key role in mobilizing cross-border movements and fostering international solidarity.

The emergence and development of online petition platforms like Change.org and Avaaz since the 2010s have transformed the landscape of civic engagement, providing powerful tools for mobilizing public opinion and advocating for social and political change. These platforms have enabled individuals and communities to raise awareness, influence policy decisions, and hold governments and organizations accountable. As technology continues to advance, online petitions are likely to play an increasingly important role in democratic participation and global activism, offering new opportunities for citizens to engage in the issues that matter most to them.

References

- Change.org. (2021). About us.
- Avaaz. (2021). About avaaz.
- Karpf, D. (2010). Online political mobilization from the advocacy group's perspective: looking beyond clicktivism. Policy & internet, 2(4), 7-41.
- Chadwick, A., & Dennis, J. (2017). Social Media, professional media, and mobilization in contemporary britain: explaining the strengths and weaknesses of the citizens’ movement 38 degrees. Political studies, 65(1), 42-60.
- Earl, J., & Kimport, K. (2011). Digitally enabled social change: activism in the internet age. MIT press.
- Edwards, G., Howard, P. N., & Joyce, M. (2013). Digital activism and non-violent conflict. In the routledge companion to non-violent resistance. Routledge.