Global Crises and Digital Mobilisation. Iconological Patterns in Contemporary Social Movements

This article examines the transformations of social movements in the 21st century, focusing on their evolution in tactics, structures, and symbolism in response to the rapid pace of geopolitical, social, and technological change. From physical protests, such as the Yellow Vests in France and the pro-democracy demonstrations in Hong Kong, to virtual actions on platforms like Roblox, contemporary mobilisations are characterised by heightened visibility and interconnectedness, yet they often struggle to achieve lasting political outcomes. Building on Ivan Krastev's (2014) observation that post-2008 protests are more likely to be remembered for their videos than their manifestos, and drawing on Van Stekelenburg's (2024) recent work, the article explores the growing influence of technology and popular culture on the dynamics of resistance. Processes of individualisation and digitalisation have facilitated the emergence of decentralised, leaderless movements that are agile but vulnerable to fragmentation and surveillance. At the same time, the use of cultural symbols - from memes to street art - and the adoption of popular narratives reflect strategies aimed at maximising emotional resonance and fostering intersectional inclusivity. Through both theoretical and empirical approaches, the article seeks to deepen the understanding of new forms of activism and resistance in an era of increasing complexity and global crises i) by focusing on the common traits of contemporary protests rather than specific events, ii) placing emphasis on trends and recurring patterns in both past and present movements to offer insights into those of the future.