Preface
I often base my posts on things I see or hear about in the news or through social media. I recognized this week that while paying more attention to the multitude of information at my fingertips, I have been acutely aware of social media activism. This is also known as digital activism. Amid a new era of globalization and interconnectedness, social media can easily spread news and support for various causes. It can be an extremely useful tool for sharing important information. However, there are equally important negative by-products of social media activism. These should also be considered while weighing the efficacy of digital activist efforts. There is a lot to talk about on this topic, so I will try to keep the main pros and cons brief while also throwing my two cents into the mix.
Benefits of Social Media Activism
Before getting too critical, I wanted to point out the benefits of social media activism. Firstly, social media can be a great way to quickly reach multiple people across the world. Ideas and inspiration can be shared, and attention can be brought to important issues that may not be covered in mainstream media sources, such as the news.
Further, global reach is an important aspect of digital activism. One can reach an audience across the world in a matter of seconds, and circulate images and information in real-time that we likely would not have access to over other platforms from far away. These benefits are rather self-explanatory. More voices can be heard and those who may not be represented in other news sources are afforded a platform. This can be a very amazing and beautiful thing. However, it also has its pitfalls.
Common Issues
It can be great for everyone to have access to a platform, especially those who typically do not have a public voice. However, this is quite a double-edged sword as social media allows anyone to say anything. This is where we see a rise in fake news and skewed or misleading information being advertised as fact.
This can be done as individuals pushing fake news or as a political tool. For example, in 2018, millions of Facebook users’ personal data was purchased and then sold without user consent for use in political campaigns (University of Sussex, 2023). Used as a method of reaching voter interests and pushing agendas, social media can be a manipulative tool for virtually anyone. It is especially dangerous when those behind the screen have access to money and power.
Although millions have access to social media, some demographics remain unrepresented and often go unnoticed. In remote locations or communities/demographics without access to the world wide web, these communities are left out. So, voices that are relevant and important in certain activist discussions are missed. This is another way in which digital campaigns can be skewed to promote the views and opinions of demographics with more access.
Lastly, the ease of participation in digital activism can be very helpful, but it also increases a lazy form of activism known as “slacktivism” (Stirling, 2023). Requiring low commitment and personal interest in the cause, slacktivism can potentially harm the campaign by creating an overflow of weak reposts on an important topic. It encourages a lack of self-directed research and learning about an important topic. This sort of involvement really doesn’t do much in terms of gaining support as there is such a low level of commitment.
At the end of the day, it is important to keep in mind that for each of these negatives, there is a positive aspect of social media activism. However, one particular issue that I see on the rise is the kind of aggressive digital activism that aims to shame others into participating.
Aggressive Social Media Activism
Let me start by saying I understand the frustration of witnessing a lack of interest or care about the many issues in today’s world. I can sympathize with the feeling of being powerless to make change and trying to guide others to see the importance of numerous current issues. In fact, the whole purpose of my website is to spread information, encourage discussion, and instigate new ways of thinking. However, I will not participate in the aggressive side of digital activism that shames people into publicly speaking about a cause that they a) likely have not well researched or b) don’t actually want to meaningfully contribute towards.
There is an attitude within some social media activism campaigns that sends the message of “if you don’t speak up you are a bad person.” Although in a perfect world, I would love to see everyone be an involved and passionate global citizen, not everyone is an inherent activist.
The reality is that most people are just trying their best to live their lives in whichever way they were raised. I would argue that it is worse to encourage someone to speak out about an issue when they have not had the opportunity to research and become informed on the topic for themselves. The notion of “silence is violence” (Nixon, 2021) is a phrase that gets thrown around but can be damaging in this way. To combat the issue of fake news and slacktivism, should people not first be encouraged to learn about a topic before aimlessly reposting a hashtag to avoid being labelled as a bad person?
Especially while trying to engage those who are set in their beliefs and perhaps more resistant to accepting new ideas or perspectives. Forcefully shaming them into having a specific opinion may do the opposite of encouraging positive change. I am no psychologist or sociologist, but just drawing from what I have seen reflected in my peers and the world around me, aggressive digital activism does not seem to have the desired outcome of those pushing it forward. It seems to cause division and negativity which can cause further disengagement from an important issue and an avoidance of social justice/political discussions altogether.
Overall Impact
In my opinion, the bottom line is that the essence of activism should be the goal of making positive change. Social media allows us to remain informed about important topics and serves as a reminder that we can have a voice and should be encouraged to use it. Especially in times of crisis (such as rapid climate change) or extreme social injustice. Social media spreads news quickly and effectively and can be an extremely useful tool.
That being said, be wary of what you read and where the information is coming from. It is fantastic to share verified information about important issues. However, remember that privately researching and staying informed about current events or injustices is okay too.
Intimidating and shaming people into performative participation is not the way to bring about inclusive, positive change. However, that is not to say that we shouldn’t encourage each other to get more involved. Alternatively, I hope that everyone continues to become more conscious of the world around them and that we continue to have meaningful conversations and work towards positive change. Although it will take time, I strongly believe that most activists understand how change is a marathon rather than a sprint, and will continue working towards keeping a steady pace.
Sources
Nixon, M. (2021, March 2). Social media activism can work, but we don’t need to shame people into it. Teen Vogue. https://www.teenvogue.com/story/social-media-activism-drawbacks
University of Sussex. (2023, July 19). Is digital activism effective? | University of Sussex. University of Sussex – Study Online. https://study-online.sussex.ac.uk/news-and-events/social-media-and-campaigning-is-digital-activism-effective/
Stirling, V. (2023, March 16). Activism and social media – Are we really making a change? – ALIGN: Alternative Global Network Media Lab. ALiGN: Alternative Global Network Media Lab. https://carleton.ca/align/2023/activism-and-social-media-are-we-really-making-a-change/
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