In the digital era, where communities have moved onto social networks and individuals spend more time than ever on social media platforms, activism has become inseparable for social media. Instagram infographics, TikToks explaining global issues, and the irresistible repost button – these mediums shape how young people are engaging with social and political issues. From feminist movements to climate justice and global conflicts, digital activism (sometimes criticised as âslackivismâ) has become a dominating form of protest and resistance. However, as activism moves increasingly online, there is a crucial question at hand – is posting really enough?
Social justice and activism are intrinsic to society, and getting involved and being behind a cause you are passionate about is a brilliant way to make change. There is no denying the power of online activism. We live in a time where activism has never been more visible, thanks to the digitalisation of information and campaigns. Social networks facilitate the sharing of information, allowing grassroots movements to bypass traditional media and speak directly to the public.Â
Previously, broadcast media, often monitored by corporations and governments, controlled the circulation of news, consequently choosing what stories got airtime. The internet has changed this notion, and we have far more information at our fingertips than ever before, thanks to citizen journalists and social media activists. Social networking platforms have helped raise awareness of less documented humanitarian crises, exposed systematic abuse on all sides of the globe, and gathered support for various causes. The two biggest causes that come to mind are the âBlack Lives Matterâ movement and the âMe Tooâ movement, which gained unprecedented levels of engagement online – for instance, TikTok reports over 12 billion views on the BLM hashtag, and Facebook reporting 4.7 million people globally engaging with the MeToo conversation within its first 24 hours.
For many, social media is where they get their news, the first place they uncover social issues, the place they encounter politics. And whilst this flow of information is crucial, there are many questions to ask about the nature of online activism. First, has it become symbolic? When engagement with a social issue is reduced to a like, a share or a potential repost, does substantial change happen? It creates almost an illusion of participation. Little effort is required, and whilst you are raising awareness for a cause you may undoubtedly be passionate about, are you creating any action? This is where the term slacktivism comes from, as it is viewed as a lazy branch of activism, available literally at your fingertips, and a passive form of involvement.
This leads to my concern about its performativity. In times of global crises, are people feeling pressured to repost a simple infographic just because their friends or followers are doing the same, and they want to appear informed? This distracts from the cause, from the people directly affected by these conflicts and prejudices, and shifts the focus to the individual’s performative support of their own morals and appearance. Additionally, we must consider the digital divide – if campaigning and activism go entirely digital, we arenât accounting for those without access to social media. It ignores the fact that some people may not have the infrastructure necessary to access these online resources, and assumes social media serves everyone equally.
It is so important we do not dismiss digital activism entirely, because it can have a real impact. Social media is central to protest organisation, fundraising, the sharing of resources, and the flow of information from a variety of sources and individuals which may otherwise go unheard. It is a space for marginalised communities to get their voices heard, and isolated concerns can quickly become collective movements.Â
The issue doesnât lie in the posting, but the intention and what follows. Awareness is key, but so is action, and without it, actions can be empty. True activism goes beyond the screen and needs sustained effort. An issue isnât a trend, it continues beyond the popularity of a hashtag, or how many likes a post gets.