Beyond technodeterminism: An organic view of communication in the peasant movement of the Magdalena Medio region of Colombia

Abstract

The analysis of the relationship between social movements, media technologies and digital platforms tends to focus on the scope and the apparent determinants that the latter turn out to be for political action. The objective of this article is to understand how the uses and appropriations of media technologies and digital platforms are the expression of the organization and political struggle of the Magdalena Medio peasant movement and not, as might be believed, a factor that determines its power. Based on a series of interviews with leaders of the peasant movement, it is concluded that the use and appropriation of media technologies and digital platforms express the horizontal character and the political principles that govern the peasant movement and not what gives it potential.