I just learned a new term. I stumbled upon it as I was
researching how social media is used to promote causes and issues around the
world. I began to read this article “Does
Slacktivism Work?”.
We all can observe that social media is a powerful
communication tool. Stories spread faster through social media than waiting for
the 6 o’clock news. Social media has the ability to grab our attention and even
regulate the kinds of conversations we are having with each other ‘around the
water cooler’ at work.
Yet, the real question we need to ask ourselves is:
Once social media promotes awareness on a cause, are there
subsequent tangible actions that follow?
In other words, do these causes generate more support after
being blasted through Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.?
I’m sure you have seen posts on Facebook that ask you to ‘share’
or ‘like’ a post if you are in agreement with its message. But once you do
those actions, is there anything further that happens? Or if you have just been
asked to ‘retweet’ a tweet that promotes awareness on an injustice, what happens
next?
Most people say nothing happens next. This is an interesting
phenomenon where social media brings issues to light but doesn’t necessary
spark action within its users. Some say that when you share, like, and/or
retweet, most users feel like they have met their societal obligation. They
have shared the message along and have made a contribution.
So how can we repackage our social media message to ignite
tangible actions?
One solution is having “charities promote the values
underlying their causes if they want to turn more slacktivists into committed,
policy-changing activists.”
What do you think?
