The rise in Social Media Activism
The term “social media activism” refers to activism that takes place on the internet to further the goals of social or political movements. Many opponents have questioned whether social media activism is a viable means of political and social action. On the other hand, social media has the potential to serve as a public arena for the exchange of ideas.
Reasons Why Social Media is a Good Platform for Activism:
- Social Media is a Great Equalizer
Social media allows motivational speakers, be it men or women, those who usually are shut out of spheres of privilege and access to factors such as academia or politics to participate in public and social discourse. Social media acts as a tremendous leveller. People with no personal or professional ties to politicians, world leaders, or other decision-makers can quickly gain their attention.
- Social Media is Accessible
The accessibility of social media is one of its significant advantages. In-person organizing, door-knocking, and protesting have numerous risks, especially in a global pandemic. Social media activism is an excellent approach to incorporate people who are physically unable to engage, such as those who are disabled, work long hours, or are otherwise unable to do so.
- Provides Platform for Discussion
Organizers, activists, policymakers, and anyone else who wants their voice heard can use social media activism to establish an inclusive place for conversation.
In short, the following are the key features and benefits of Social Media Activism:
- Supports the efforts of activists and organizers who are already on the ground.
- Is based on the promotion of social and political movement-related resources and information.
- Boosts the voices of individuals who are part of the movement.
- Listening to marginalized people’s voices.
Things to Keep in mind for Effective Social Media Activism
There are specific steps that you should take to use your personal and professional social media channels for good. The goal should be to make sure your posts have an excellent offline impact. When engaging in digital activism, keep the following in mind:
- Check Your Sources
Virtually anyone can share any information they choose on social media. This can be both a good and a terrible thing. The dissemination of disinformation is a common occurrence on numerous social media sites. In the case of social media activism, a false or misleading post can be shared thousands of times by well-intentioned individuals. You must read all of the articles and websites thoroughly that you share. Make sure you do your homework on a topic you’re not familiar with. If you don’t want to share knowledge just because everyone else has, don’t.
- Uplift the Marginalized Views
When you’re sharing resources on social media, think about who you’re sharing them with. It’s crucial to keep the voices of the underprivileged in mind at all times. Try to keep information from celebrities or politicians to yourself. Instead, look for people who are involved in grassroots initiatives. Instead of elevating the voices of people in positions of privilege, elevate the voices of those who are most marginalized. Make a point of looking up the author of an article you’d want to share or the producer of a video you’ve seen. All information is not created equal.
- Slightest of Things Matter
The fact that the results of social media activism are insignificant is an unjustified critique. Some argue that Internet activism cannot produce tangible results in the real world. On the other hand, social media has aided in the emergence of intense social and political movements worldwide. Millions of cash were once raised in support of racial justice movements, for example. In support of those protesting for Black Lives, the National Bail Fund, which connects an independent network of activists around the country, collected an estimated $75 million. Without social media, none of this would be feasible.
The revolution will not be televised in the future; instead, it will be tweeted, Instagrammed, and live-streamed. Although social media can be frightening, it is also a tremendous tool. It allows us to learn directly from the source about people all across the world. Recent social action movements include:
- Movement For Black Lives Matter: Instagram and Twitter
- Me too Movement: Instagram and Twitter
- Oscars So White Movement
It should not be necessary to be a lawyer, politician, organizer, or academic to participate in social justice campaigns. You can help if you have access to the internet and social media.
