Activist Muslim Students' Perspectives on Digital Public Sphere and the Power of Activism in the USA


SEVİNÇ B.

Sociology Lens, 2025 (SSCI) identifier identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Basım Tarihi: 2025
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1111/johs.70012
  • Dergi Adı: Sociology Lens
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: digital activism, digital culture, student activism in NYC, virtual reality, youth activism, “divided” world
  • Karadeniz Teknik Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

This study investigates the perspectives of Muslim student activists in New York City regarding digital public sphere and activism. The research question is: How do digital activist Muslim individuals in the United States conceptualize the relationship between cyberspace and the real world and the impact of digital activism discourses on social change? The issue is examined through a qualitative research design, employing in-depth interviews—conducted between January and August 2022—using semi-structured questions and analyzed through content analysis. The findings indicate that, contrary to the notion that the digital realm operates autonomously and dominates real life, participants do not find the “divided world” narrative convincing. Although acknowledging the distinct nature of each realm, they emphasize the interwoven relationship between the digital and the physical. The effectiveness of digital activism, according to participants, depends on the specific issues addressed, with the digital public sphere offering a meaningful platform for exerting pressure on policymakers.