Social Media: An Activist's Best Friend and Worst Enemy
Written by Ishaa for Comic UK in May 2021
Social media has certainly helped raise the profile of activists and the work we do in our local areas. But do the pros outweigh the cons?
"Without social media, activists would struggle to influence their networks and keep them reminded of the issues happening in the world."
In the 21st century, social media can be considered to be an activist's best friend. Without platforms such as Twitter and Instagram, we wouldn't be able to publicise our work and connect with like-minded individuals all over the world. For example, I am a climate activist with Youth Strike MCR and Fridays For Future, and through these platforms I have been able to see the climate campaigns run by other activists all over the world. Social media therefore benefits me, because I can keep up to date with upcoming campaigns and ensure a coordinated approach with our local efforts. In recent months, the COVID pandemic has rendered physical striking impossible, so we've had to adapt and move to digital striking. On Fridays, climate activists will be posting on social media about the climate crisis while holding up a sign that calls for action. Without social media, activists would struggle to influence their networks and keep them reminded of the issues happening in the world. This can be a positive thing because it makes activists more noticeable and can include a greater level of accountability.
"Social media then becomes less representative of the work actually happening, and the experiences of those people in their areas."
On the flip side of that, social media can be an activist's worst enemy. These days, it is expected of people to post on social justice issues such as Black Lives Matter and the Israel/Palestine conflict. Failure to do so will result in hate messages and comments online, with people demanding influencers and activists lend their support to key issues and demonstrate awareness. However, it can lead to many activists becoming overwhelmed and under supported. For example, some of my friends are activists for one issue, like climate change. Others are activists who champion a range of issues. Neither is better than the other, but both demand responsibility to followers and a commitment. Someone who is a climate activist may not know much about Palestine issues, but feel forced to comment and in turn say something wrong/unpopular. Alternatively, they may educate themselves on the issue and then make a statement. I have seen activists criticised for talking about issues that they don't normally advocate for, and lose followers over it.
"We (activists) don't pretend to be experts in what we discuss, we exist because we see inequalities in the world that aren't being spoken about."
People sometimes view activists as individuals who are not qualified to be talking about issues, and then hurl abuse at them based on this view. We don't pretend to be experts in what we discuss, we exist because we see inequalities in the world that aren't being spoken about. Moreover, social media can reinforce the inequality between activists of different backgrounds, as some will have no access to technology due to economic reasons. Particularly in the pandemic, the work of many grassroots activists in various countries isn't being recognised because they don't use social media to share their work. Social media then becomes less representative of the work actually happening, and the experiences of those people in their areas. It is similar to the climate movement being viewed as a white middle-class movement, which makes sense because this is what is being portrayed through social media. The reality is that many activists of colour from all social classes are working towards climate justice in countries that are less economically developed and as a result, have reduced opportunities in terms of promoting their activities.
"-similar to the climate movement being viewed as a white middle-class movement, which makes sense because this is what is being portrayed through social media."
The whole online world is tricky to navigate, even more so if you're out there advocating what can be deemed controversial issues. Personally, the pros of social media outweigh the cons for me. I am able to share my projects and connect with other activists who may be interested in collaborating. I have also received opportunities from it that have helped me to connect with new organisations and promote the youth services I work with. That doesn't mean my social media experience has always been positive, but that it is more positive than negative for me.
"Activists have this imposed responsibility, and it's important to remember that your responsibility to your health comes first."
You are in control of your online presence. It's ok to take breaks from social media if it becomes a bit much, or set your phone to limit the amount of time you spend online if it negatively impacts on your mental health. Activists have this imposed responsibility, and it's important to remember that your responsibility to your health comes first.
*Thank you to Comic UK for asking me to write this piece last year!
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