Nowadays, many can argue that it is easier than ever to take part in online activism. It can be as simple as clicking a link, signing a petition or donating a couple of dollars to an online cause. Gladwell argues in his article Small Change that online activism is lazy, careless and a safe way to take a stand in the 20th century. I agree with him. Gladwell argues that these online campaigns and movements take extremely little effort to participate in, and that is precisely why they do so well. We have turned activism into a hugely selfless, effortful act, into an easy, almost self-righteous act. When writing about a young man needing a bone-marrow transplant, Gladwell says that the reason why he ended up getting a bone-marrow transplant was
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Online activism, as Gladwell writes “makes it easier for activists to express themselves” (Gladwell 2010), which is, in my opinion true. Social media is such an open atmosphere, and it can indeed make expressing yourself easier. Not only that, but you can express yourself and have that expression reach thousands of people. With the use of hashtags, causes and activist movements can be spread that much easier, and can catch on quickly. Another point that I would like to bring up is the idea that if someone is at home doing essentially nothing, I believe that if they are online and being involved in activism that way, at least that person is involved in some way, rather than no way at all. Although being involved in activist groups, or simply signing a petition online does not directly help any cause and demand action right away, it’s things like these that can eventually lead to change. Social media, in my view is a wonderful place to bring people together for a cause. Some may argue that media activism does not change issues, but yet it does raise and spread awareness of issues. This comes back to my idea of the definition of activism. Even if you are online, and you share a hashtag, or sign a petition, you are indeed taking part in a form of activism, whether it be large or small, at the end of the day, it is something. The question is will these aspects of media activism bring a lasting change? Or will they dwindle out like trends and social media memes do? It is quite clear that trends online come and go. For example, the Kony 2012 campaign, the ice bucket challenge and so many more have come, and gone but has there been a lasting change within those issues or not? It is definitely debatable. My view is that ultimately, media campaigns and media activism are successful at bringing awareness to people, while also
Online activism, as Gladwell writes “makes it easier for activists to express themselves” (Gladwell 2010), which is, in my opinion true. Social media is such an open atmosphere, and it can indeed make expressing yourself easier. Not only that, but you can express yourself and have that expression reach thousands of people. With the use of hashtags, causes and activist movements can be spread that much easier, and can catch on quickly. Another point that I would like to bring up is the idea that if someone is at home doing essentially nothing, I believe that if they are online and being involved in activism that way, at least that person is involved in some way, rather than no way at all. Although being involved in activist groups, or simply signing a petition online does not directly help any cause and demand action right away, it’s things like these that can eventually lead to change. Social media, in my view is a wonderful place to bring people together for a cause. Some may argue that media activism does not change issues, but yet it does raise and spread awareness of issues. This comes back to my idea of the definition of activism. Even if you are online, and you share a hashtag, or sign a petition, you are indeed taking part in a form of activism, whether it be large or small, at the end of the day, it is something. The question is will these aspects of media activism bring a lasting change? Or will they dwindle out like trends and social media memes do? It is quite clear that trends online come and go. For example, the Kony 2012 campaign, the ice bucket challenge and so many more have come, and gone but has there been a lasting change within those issues or not? It is definitely debatable. My view is that ultimately, media campaigns and media activism are successful at bringing awareness to people, while also