Heidegger and Fan Activism Unveiling the Presence of Poiēsis in Contemporary Online Social Mobilization
Heidegger and Fan Activism Unveiling the Presence of Poiēsis in Contemporary Online Social Mobilization

Summary/Abstract: This article draws its inspiration from both Heidegger’s theses introduced in his landmark essay, “The Question Concerning Technology” (1977 [1956]) and his interpretation of poiēsis, a concept discussed throughout a range of works in the later portion of his career, in order to demonstrate the multidimensional foundation that drives successful online activist campaigns. Fan activism, in contrast to the so-called mouseclick solidarity (or slacktivism), is a form of online social media engagement that relies upon a user’s previously established devotion to a text, as well as an understanding of how its themes are applicable to understand real world issues. A Heideggerian interpretation of poiēsis is the critical component that sparks and sustains fan activist campaigns, as this concept unveils how we are both affected by world and compelled to engage, or dwell, with it. Through an analysis of fan activist campaigns, this paper argues that revitalizing poiēsis in our everyday life, in particular as it concerns our communal self, is critical for reviving a sense of commitment in the world and, subsequently, to once again position and understand human beings as uniquely transformative agents.

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