Diversity and Inclusion in Data Activism: Frame Resonance and the Barrier of Problem Recognition

ABSTRACT Contentious issues around data politics can often involve complex technical aspects that are difficult for everyday people to understand. This can impede how well the frames of social movements dealing with such issues are able to resonate with different segments of society, which can in turn shape the diversity and inclusiveness of their activist culture. To understand this effect, this study comparatively analyzes two prominent data activist groups, the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) and Anonymous (AnonNews). This is done by conducting a frame analysis on 4 years of archival documents from each, specifically examining frame resonance and vocabularies of motive. Findings identify the EFF's primary framing themes as “internet freedom” and “individual efficacy,” which appear designed to resonate mainly with technologically elite audiences and thereby indirectly reify socioeconomic inequalities. In contrast, AnonNews's frames of “freedom of speech” and “collective efficacy” are intended to be more accessible and inclusive to widely diverse groups; however, its leaderless dynamic and conflicting voices also potentially hinder its resonance with wider audiences. These findings show how different framing strategies and practices can shape diversity and inclusion within social movements, which have significant implications for achieving data justice.