Social Media Activism: The Changes in the Decades
The three articles by Gladwell, Walton, and Stephen all have different views on how technology influences social change. Gladwell’s views on social media are based on them changing social activism. He feels that technology has made activism less powerful than it was decades ago. Gladwell creates weak ties between acquaintances rather than having activism be between close friends. Overall, Gladwell does not feel social media has changed activism for the best.
Walton on the other hand, has opposing views. She feels that social media is able to reach everyone. Walton weighs the differing opinions by saying social media can drive people away from political advocacy but can also keep them informed. She feels that social media is giving people access to activism and the ability to make a difference. As a whole, Walton believes social media is impacting politics and journalism.
Stephen has another view on social media on movements as well. He discusses the Black Lives Matter campaign and the effects social media has had on it. He states, “Any large social movement is shaped by the technology available to it and tailors its goals, tactics, and rhetoric to the media of its time”. Stephen feels that the changes in social media have given light to raw information and made it more public. On the other hand, it has become another way for black people to be abused. Harassments, threats and insults have surfaced as a result of online activism. The online threats are anonymous changing the way people are harassed. Stephen shows the more harsh side to social media in activism.
By reading all these articles, I have gained new perspectives on social media activism. I agree with Gladwell in a sense that no actual change truly comes from activism on platforms like Facebook. Although no change often comes, awareness does. I feel that this is the key for change. Awareness causes talk and talk leads to change, but I also understand Stephen’s view. The internet can be a brutal place. In light of the recent school shootings, I have seen many arguments via facebook from both sides concerning gun control. People that once called themselves friends are now exchanging slurs and harassing each other. I think that social media will always have its good and evil sides but we cannot erase it now so we must try to make the best of it and use it for good.
