The Rice University Neologisms Database

A computer hacker who uses his technological skills for activism. It is the technological era and virtual reality has become concrete and just as valid as its non-virtual counterpart for some ordinary people. Hacking can be used to help others. The hackstivist interviewed in The New York Times used his skills to combat internet censorship by governments in the United Arab Emirates, Laos, China and other countries. To call himself a hacktivist as opposed to a hacker gives what he does a righteous, Robin Hood-like image.