Paper Type
ERF
Abstract
Modern social movements rely heavily on digital tools, making them highly vulnerable to state-sponsored internet blackouts. This research investigates how movements survive when their primary communication channels are suddenly cut off. We examine the nationwide internet blackout during the July 2024 uprising in Bangladesh. Using theories of sociomateriality, resource mobilization, and local solidarity, we analyze the movement's rapid shift from digital to offline coordination. We propose a three-phase “Analog Momentum" model: The Rupture and Relational Pivot, Offline Pivot, and Verification and Resolution. The findings show that activists engaged in sociomaterial substitution, converting digital networks into physical assets like “sneakernets" (pen drives and motorcycles), secret safe houses, and human relay chains. This study proves that with strong local solidarity and organizational structures, activists can successfully bypass digital sieges and maintain protest momentum.
Paper Number
1888
Recommended Citation
Tashrif, Sk and Baham, Corey, "Analog Momentum: A Sociomaterial Process Model of Coordination During an Internet Blackout" (2026). AMCIS 2026 Proceedings. 7.
https://aisel.aisnet.org/amcis2026/sig_si/sig_si/7
Analog Momentum: A Sociomaterial Process Model of Coordination During an Internet Blackout
Modern social movements rely heavily on digital tools, making them highly vulnerable to state-sponsored internet blackouts. This research investigates how movements survive when their primary communication channels are suddenly cut off. We examine the nationwide internet blackout during the July 2024 uprising in Bangladesh. Using theories of sociomateriality, resource mobilization, and local solidarity, we analyze the movement's rapid shift from digital to offline coordination. We propose a three-phase “Analog Momentum" model: The Rupture and Relational Pivot, Offline Pivot, and Verification and Resolution. The findings show that activists engaged in sociomaterial substitution, converting digital networks into physical assets like “sneakernets" (pen drives and motorcycles), secret safe houses, and human relay chains. This study proves that with strong local solidarity and organizational structures, activists can successfully bypass digital sieges and maintain protest momentum.
When commenting on articles, please be friendly, welcoming, respectful and abide by the AIS eLibrary Discussion Thread Code of Conduct posted here.
Comments
SIG SI