Social media for activism? Yes.

Just because social media hasn’t been around for centuries doesn’t mean it deserves all of Gladwell’s negative attributes. Why can’t we see the new trend of social media activism for something a bit more optimistic: an efficient way to recruit like-minded individuals for a greater purpose and change? Then, once citizens’ ideologies unite towards a strong social concern, those same citizens can willingly decide to individually move forward and either attend smaller face-to-face meetings, sit-ins, protests, etc. They can also simply choose to sit on their bums and watch the latest episode of Real Housewives. The choice is what is important.

I don’t see social media as a road bump to true political and social change; rather, I see the decrease in motivational advocacy among individual members as the true reason for immobility. I know many people feel defeated before they fully learn or engage themselves in any political action, especially among the younger generations, so why blame the lack of action on current technological trends in media? Social media has an opportunity right now to raise public awareness more than ever, facilitating those who normally feel defeated and showing them how to take proper action at the right time and the right place. Social media rapidly educates humans about the inequalities in our world and guides them to make the necessary change needed for tomorrow. This is where social media can be a blessing if information is accurately understood.  

Those who still take Gladwell’s side, can we at least agree that access to social media raises awareness more efficiently than ever before? For instance, look at what happened with the earthquake in Haiti in 2010. Did everyone who used Facebook or Twitter at the time see the impact the earthquake had on the Haitian civilians? I’m willing to guess mostly yes. Did everyone donate to the cause to help those suffering? No, but at least tens of millions of dollars were donated by American citizens. Did the efforts, activist groups, and donations completely reconstruct the villages and save every life? No. Unfortunately, over seven years later close to 90,000 people still live in displacement camps. But a dent was made and people across the world were made aware what Haiti needed at the time. We had a goal, and social media made it accessible.

Is this system of activism flawed? Yes- it’s in a premature state. Some, or arguably most, members of society (as I stated earlier) may use social media daily but are not willing to ask how high when the headline tells them to jump. Gladwell suggested viable activism requires passion, and not everyone has enough to stay committed to a change. However, social media can open minds of people who wouldn’t have come across information without it. And for those who do possess some form of passion, maybe they will be challenged to see the issue in a new light that forges a better path towards mobility.