Online Activism

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In the online world, anybody can become an activist. The new tools of social media have changed the way we view our world and access information. Technology has enabled us to create, spread, and support causes and share them on a global scale. One can make a difference by joining a Facebook page, or by signing a petition. But recently, online activism has come under criticism. Is online activism an effective mean of change, or is it all just "slacktivism"?

Social media has proven to be more powerful than anyone could have expected. It has been used as a weapon during uprisings and revolutions. While revolutions obviously occurred prior to social media, the way we view them now is completely different. It wasn’t so long ago that you needed …show more content…
One example is the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, which became a viral sensation. The ice bucket challenge is an activity filmed and posted on Facebook or Instagram, in which the nominate participant will drop a bucket of ice water on their heads (or have someone else drop it for them) and then nominate someone else. Those nominated have 24 hours to complete the challenge, and are encouraged to donate $10 if they complete the challenge, and $100 if they don’t. The campaign was a huge success, and many celebrities participated as well such as Benedict Cumberbatch, Tom Hiddleston, Lady Gaga, Kim Kardashian, Taylor Swift, Mark Zuckerberg, and President George W. Bush. The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge has raised $100 million so far. This is a 3500% increase from $2.8 million they raised in the same period of time last year.

The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge drew criticism however, with many people boycotting the challenge. Many people felt the challenge was just a form of narcissism. Many people completed the challenge not knowing it was linked to raising money ALS research. Also, many people criticized the campaign, saying that the participants were apathetic towards the cause, and were participating to be …show more content…
Online giving is growing at twice the rate of overall giving, and more than half of those who are involved with nonprofits via social media have been inspired to take further action. Interestingly, in my survey 88% of participants had never liked, shared, or retweeted (etc) something by a charity, or a news article to make yourself look good. I asked Natasha Mudie her take on “slacktivism”, and she answered, “Online activism can definitely result in change. The first step in creating action is to educate, and social media has proven to be the best way to do
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