Mapping Social Media Trajectories in Zimbabwe

This chapter argues that while social media is leading to a great deal of virtual awareness, very little action is taken to end the plight of citizens, thereby weakening the real impact of social media activism. It focuses on opportunities and challenges facing online protests in the wake of growing social media prevalence in Zimbabwe. The chapter presents data collected from face-to-face discussions with members of the Zimbabwean communities in the North East of the UK to determine ways through which digital participation among expatriate Zimbabweans is contributing to both online and offline activism in the Southern African nation. It explores the apparent advantages and disadvantages of using social media platforms. The chapter seeks to demonstrate the real potential of cyberactivism insofar as strengthening or weakening increased online and offline democratic participation of Zimbabwean citizens is concerned