Blog Post Number Two

Teresa Piccolo Due: 02/22/18

Professor Ross E110 Section 105

Social media plays a large role in political and social activism. Walton, the author of “How Advocating from the Comfort of Our Own Homes Has Impacted American Politics,” states that due to the internet many people are exposed to news rather then having to actively look for it. Walton finds this to be beneficial because many people are becoming involved in issues they otherwise would not have, however it does have its flaws because people could be reading “fake news” and basing their opinions on it. Gladwell acknowledges the benefits of the internet informing people, in his article “Small Change,” but Gladwell also believes the movements started on the internet include minimal effort and often do not make a difference because many people “involved” in the movement have no real connection to it. In the article “Get Up, Stand Up: Social Media Helps Black Lives Matter Fight the Power,” the author Stephen also acknowledges the benefits of social media, however his argument was more similar to Gladwell’s because he too believes the internet does help but minimally. Therefor all three authors agree social media has been beneficial in informing people of movements, however it is not always effective.

I agree with these authors that social media has informed many individuals on a wide variety movements however I do not find this beneficial to the movements. I think people who do not have a connection or strong beliefs to movements are unhelpful in trying to solve issues because they do not give it their all. I also believe “online activism” does not promote social justice and equity because many movements started online fail to meet their goals and have no real structure.