Dakota Access Pipeline Project Analysis
As a defining factor of life in the modern world, social media is an essential tool for advancing social activist movements such as the recent protests against the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL).
Perhaps more commonly known by its hashtags on Facebook and Twitter, the #NoDAPL campaign existed as early as Oct. 2014 and has gained more momentum in the recent weeks. These protests sweeping across the nation revolves around the bitter reaction to the proposed construction of Energy Transfer Partners’ DAPL.
Presented to the public in June 2014, the $3.7 billion DAPL project involves the construction of 1,134-mile long, underground oil pipeline. The pipeline would stretch from oil fields in North Dakota, through South Dakota and Iowa, and end …show more content…
By excluding updating on these protests in their news coverage, these particular organizations are isolating a large portion of the population who are interested in learning about the developments in this story. When it comes to journalistic standards, these organizations do have a responsibility to keep the public informed and by not covering the DAPL protests, they fail to fulfill their duty.
Putting the lack of coverage by major news organizations aside, the social media aspect of the DAPL protests demonstrates how easily activism can progress through communication. One simple Facebook post led to thousands of users taking a moment to support the greater cause. It’s because of hundreds upon hundreds of social media posts that news organizations like The New York Times or CNN are now covering the issue.
Yet social media can be a short-lived phenomenon. For more than a week, newsfeeds were filled with the latest information on the protests. DAPL is now taking a backseat while newer issues take center stage. While social media is undoubtedly a valuable tool for activists, it’s not necessarily a place to sustain a
Perhaps more commonly known by its hashtags on Facebook and Twitter, the #NoDAPL campaign existed as early as Oct. 2014 and has gained more momentum in the recent weeks. These protests sweeping across the nation revolves around the bitter reaction to the proposed construction of Energy Transfer Partners’ DAPL.
Presented to the public in June 2014, the $3.7 billion DAPL project involves the construction of 1,134-mile long, underground oil pipeline. The pipeline would stretch from oil fields in North Dakota, through South Dakota and Iowa, and end …show more content…
By excluding updating on these protests in their news coverage, these particular organizations are isolating a large portion of the population who are interested in learning about the developments in this story. When it comes to journalistic standards, these organizations do have a responsibility to keep the public informed and by not covering the DAPL protests, they fail to fulfill their duty.
Putting the lack of coverage by major news organizations aside, the social media aspect of the DAPL protests demonstrates how easily activism can progress through communication. One simple Facebook post led to thousands of users taking a moment to support the greater cause. It’s because of hundreds upon hundreds of social media posts that news organizations like The New York Times or CNN are now covering the issue.
Yet social media can be a short-lived phenomenon. For more than a week, newsfeeds were filled with the latest information on the protests. DAPL is now taking a backseat while newer issues take center stage. While social media is undoubtedly a valuable tool for activists, it’s not necessarily a place to sustain a