Abstract
This thesis attempted to explore the interaction between Ayn Rand and her theory of Objectivism in relation to social movement organizations in the online environment. The data for the research included comment sections from two online publications; 100 from The New York Times and 43 from Forbes. Seven pre identified research outcomes were considered and four main themes emerged from the data; debate, SMO linkage, cultural influence, and the Randian crossover. The goal was to determine how individual actors relate Objectivism to specific social movement organizations and also to explore more specifically how society perceives Rand’s work. The data revealed only weak associations between Rand and social movements in the online arena and showed a lack of commitment for individuals in their implementation of her ideas within society.