Transcript:
I’m sure that if you are a user of social media, you have seen infographics or posts advocating for a variety of different social issues. It is basically an instinct for me at this point to like the post and repost it to share with more people. My question to you is what does this actually do for people? When does the line between digital activism and performative activism blur?
Britannica describes Digital Activism as, ‘a form of activism that uses the internet and digital media as key platforms for mass mobilization and political action’. This can be seen as infographics, reposting political candidates posts, artwork, GoFundmes, etc. Posting things like this on the internet can be very helpful for the spread of information. I have learned about many social issues happening from somebody posting about it on their Instagram story. Digital Activism can help engage people in topics they didn’t know much about in a way that can be done easily from the comfort of their home. According to The Conversation, digital activism helped build collective networks of solidarity and resistance in social movements.
While digital activism can do so much good for different social issues it can also be equally as bad. It is really important for people to do research on subjects before blindly following what a social media post says. Some topics shared on the internet are very nuanced and complicated and require much more research than an Instagram post can give to somebody. Reposting without researching can lead into the topic of performative digital activism and the harm that it can cause.
Mediaengagement.org defines performative activism as a disingenuous form of advocacy. This can be done to improve one’s social standing without actually contributing to a cause. An example of this that they give in their article is when social media users repost an infographic to appear ‘woke’ online when, in reality, they expend little lifestyle changes that could result in actual aid to a movement. Although bringing awareness to topics can be helpful, performative activism usually leads to nothing for these causes. Somebody who is posting information just to stay ‘woke’ is not actually helping a cause.
Digital activism that is helpful is donating to a cause, or posting links to donate to a cause if you are unable to. You can also post information that you have researched and that is not misinformation to help bring awareness and information to those who could be interested in advocating for someone/something. Also remembering that if you can get out and go to protests, send letters to elected officials, and vote is a great way to advocate that isn’t based online.
Overall, digital activism in itself is not bad, but we must remember to think very critically and mindfully of the information we spread and consume and if you are passionate about something look for ways to involve yourself that aren’t based only online.
