Modern activism has changed

Katie Samol | The Chronicle

Have your views of politics or social policy ever been impacted by something you have read online? I know mine have. The face of modern activism is changing. 

Social media activism is a newer form of digital advocacy that has been harnessed by Generation Z (Gen Z). According to the United Way of the National Capital Area, in a survey of 1,000 Americans, 66% of Gen Zers said that most of their activism takes place online. This advocacy is drastically different from society’s preconceived notions of activism. Rather than physically going and spreading awareness or rallying for a cause, campaigning all happens behind a screen and only takes a few taps. 

Activism, by definition, is the policy or action of using vigorous campaigning to bring about political or social change. This means that, at least by the book, social media activism is true activism. Digital political involvement has unique upsides and impacts. During demonstrations, activists are often surrounded by like-minded people. Anyone who follows you on social media sees what you post, which can broadcast the information to a larger demographic. Social media apps like X and Instagram even the playing field, giving everyone a platform to display their beliefs.

As someone who shares their social and political beliefs via Instagram often, I was forced to think long and hard about activism when I had a conversation with someone who firmly believes in strictly in-person protestation. I think that is an old-fashioned mindset. I acknowledge that demonstrating in person requires a different level of involvement and dedication than reposting an Instagram story or writing a Tweet, but many of the same goals are achieved through online campaigning. I think any way we can advocate for what we believe in is worth it, even if the impact is small.

 Some question the on-the-ground impact of social media activism. Maybe some social media campaigns or posts do not make an impact beyond the screen, but many do and any impact makes posting worth the action and possible backlash. 

Black Lives Matter (BLM) — a social and political global movement that highlighted the racism, discrimination and police brutality experienced by the Black community – can be traced back to a 2013 Facebook post. From 2014 to May 2020, #BlackLivesMatter was tweeted or retweeted 39.2 million times. From a hashtag came a global movement, a racial reckoning for the United States and an organization: the Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation. The BLM movement would not have become all it has if it were not for social media activism. 

With early voting and election day having just passed, I am reminded that social media is also a powerful tool to inform and motivate voters to make their voices heard. During election season, we seemed to be bombarded with Tweets and Instagram posts covering the topic and urging citizens to vote. This may have seemed overboard, but the effort has been effective in mobilizing voters. According to the Pew Research Center, the 2018, 2020 and 2022 elections were three of the highest-turnout U.S. elections of their respective types in decades.

While I understand those who say that posting on social media is not activism because you are not going out to a protest or rally, I still believe the social media aspect of movements to be important and effective. Whether to extend your beliefs and inform others or to compel followers to take action – with their wallet, their ballot or their voice – campaigning for what you find important is never a waste of time. Social media activism is real activism, and it is worthy of your attention. Someone glancing at your Instagram story can help them better understand what is going on politically around them, give them the resources to make their voice heard or even spark curiosity that can make them more invested in making our world a better place.