Digital Activism in Environmental Conflicts: Exploring Hashtag Campaigns in the Context of Extractive Industries in Latin America and Southeast Asia

Environmental conflicts stemming from extractive industries in Latin America and Southeast Asia pose serious threats to ecosystems, indigenous communities, and environmental defenders. In response, digital activism has emerged as a powerful tool, enabling affected communities to amplify their voices through social media. This study examines the role of digital activism in these conflicts by analyzing hashtag campaigns such as #SOSAmazonia, #SavePalawan, #SaveKalimantan, and #CongaNoVa. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research integrates a quantitative analysis of environmental conflict trends with a qualitative assessment of social media engagement. Findings indicate that while digital platforms facilitate awareness, solidarity, and mobilization, their effectiveness is shaped by political contexts, media freedom, and internet accessibility. Campaigns that strategically employ compelling visuals, clear messaging, and alignment with grassroots movements tend to achieve higher engagement. However, challenges such as censorship, disinformation, and corporate influence constrain digital activism’s real-world impact. By providing insights into the mechanisms and limitations of digital resistance, this study contributes to the discourse on environmental justice, social movements, and the evolving relationship between technology and activism.