The influence of lnternet on the development of new social movements is increasing rapidly. For emerging movements and organizations the lnternet is a powerjiul and innovative tool; it promotes social participation and the search for more 'direct democracy'. Via Internet, social movements can build up an ever wider virtual community. Their skiful protest campaigns represent the prototype of the social revolutions of the future. These new instruments for communication and action promote the 'identity paradigm' which emphasizes basic psychosocial aspects such as the social construction of reality, collective identity, values and commitment to social issues
