How You Can Improve Your Digital Activism on Social Media
Do you ever feel your likes don’t help enough?
written and edited by Kyle Watson | May 15, 2023
Look . . . getting quickly riled up over a social media post isn’t the solution. Digital activism is a slow process that takes time and proper planning. While followers and likes give us a massive dopamine hit, they will never be able to solve the root issues associated with activist movements. Social media activism struggles from a battle between honest campaigning and attention-seeking individuals but has also been able to impact the world for the better.
Positive Activism is an organization created in 2023 to promote positive change and social impact through activism. Collaboration and coalition building are key strategies employed by the group, among education and awareness of these advocacy topics. In this article, we’ll discuss the current state of social activism, how to get involved, and how to be the change you desire.
What do internet users think of social activism?
As it stands today, social media activism has a mixed reputation. While many are aware of the benefits it can provide in terms of massing a wide audience and spreading awareness, a minority of adults who engage in social media have participated in activism.
The infographic below depicts data collected by Pew Research Center in 2020. The polling organization determined that 23% of social media users say that social media has changed their view of an issue and it has been steadily increasing over the decade. Social functions like photos, hashtags, and sharing effectively promote a cause.
From this data, we can determine that younger generations are creating a bigger impact in terms of their social activism usage. Since social media is becoming more prevalent day by day, we can expect this to continue further, especially as the United States in specific becomes further polarized.
On April 19, 2023, Positive Activism sent out a Twitter poll to our followers asking if they believe that activism on social media is beneficial. 71.4% of voters in our audience believe that it is, or sometimes is helpful.
Positive Activism recognizes this general uncertainty about how to find successful motives for change, but implementing more regimented forms of content can be helpful. For more information on what social media users think of activism today, check out this Wakelet collection:
How Can You Be an Activist?
The power of social media lets anyone from anywhere speak their mind to a mass global audience. This means you can start a worldwide movement without even stepping foot out of your bedroom, at least in theory. In reality, however, promoting activism is a much more strenuous ordeal.
Below is a video from Big Think on YouTube, where author Jen Schradie shares her perspective on the topic. She illustrates the importance of planning and expertise when forming a movement online.
Social justice can be found in many forms, including citizen journalism. Experiencing a significant political moment, whether planned or unplanned can force everyday people to become a beacon of hope. Social media has allowed citizen journalism to take precedence over traditional media sources. We’re now in an age of society and documentation that anything can be considered activism.
Haley Santibanez is just one of many citizen journalists that have popped up over the last decade with the advent of social media. Protests and significant circumstances are able to be propped up with forms of sharing on social media, through live streams, stories, and articles. The two have a form of a symbiotic relationship, though one can bring the other down.
Find Something to Fight For
Social media brings together many different perspectives, allowing a niche to explode in popularity if campaigned correctly. It can provide a powerful avenue for individuals and marginalized communities to share their stories and perspectives, bypassing traditional gatekeepers of information. Recognizing what issues matter most to you is an important step in terms of activism, as passion is necessary for a powerful product.
The Positive Activism Podcast features interviews with people from around the world in order to hear their take on how social activism can better society. In the first episode, Natalie Schrager, a student at DePaul University details her experience learning about digital activism and what she would like to see change.
It’s important to keep in mind that any type of post you put out online can affect others. Even something as simple as sharing a Facebook post could inform someone about a topic they’re unfamiliar with, but may not be as effective as a specially planned motive.
As touched on in the podcast, “slacktivism” is a byproduct of uninspired social media activism. One of the biggest examples of this in internet culture is the online petition website Change.org. Over the years, the platform has been criticized for the practice, as many petitions are based on unreality and won’t result in the solution desired.
How to Build Positive Change
Having a specific digital strategy is crucial for any activism movement. Not only does it provide a detailed agenda of the organization’s goals and ideals, but it can help connect with others who have the same beliefs.
Activists can use a wide variety of mediums such as infographics, videos, and articles to break down complex topics and make them accessible to a broader range of people. By sharing well-researched information and providing resources, social media activism can harness greater awareness about social injustices, environmental concerns, and humanitarian crises.
The Youth Activist Toolkit created by advocatesforyouth.org is a helpful guide that illustrates the viewpoint young advocates should acquire when posting on social media for change. It emphasizes the importance of the newest generation’s voice and provides ideas for engaging policymakers and organizing grassroots movements. The video above utilizes data and opinions from the document.
Change is difficult to achieve, but feasible with a strong, positive mindset. Together, we can leverage the power of social media activism to create a more just, equitable, and sustainable world. I urge you to stand up for yourself, share your stories, and work tirelessly towards a future where positive activism can thrive.
#PostPositively #PositiveActivism #KeepItPositive
For more information about social activism online, check out these helpful links and resources:
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