When talking about causes or events, the term slacktivism is defined loosely as online social engagement and activism is labeled as offline or real-life participation. When these two topics are discussed, it is generally in order to compare the two. And of course, comparisons lead to winners and losers.
I propose we refrain from establishing a hierarchy when it comes to activism of any sort.
For in my way of thinking, whenever groups of people come together in support of a specific cause or event, I believe it’s a good thing. Whether this is performed by large, relatively uncommitted groups of users online or as smaller, dedicated activists working in the field, both serve a useful function and as such, are of value.
In taking a graduate class on social media theory, I discovered two distinct camps in the thinking about the whole concept of slacktivism. As you’d imagine, there are the “pro” people and the “con” people….and those who label online social engagement of this type as slacktivism are normally on the “con” side of things.
As a sociologist, I was trained to look at different sides of issues such as these in order to gain a better understanding of social life and society. James Henslin describes this practice in Essentials of Sociology: “sociology sensitizes us to multiple realities; that is, for any single point of view on some topic, there are competing points of view. Each represents reality as people see it, their distinct experiences having led them to different perceptions” (2009). So while I may get annoyed personally at the seemingly endless articles decrying online activism/slacktivism, professionally, I understand this is just how society operates.
We will always have both “pro” and “con” ideas about issues such as these.
For this, my last blog post assignment in my aforementioned social media theory class, I was asked to offer up a critical analysis about the meaning or implication of my chosen topic – either for the public at large or for a particular segment of the population. I decided to discuss these ideas about activism/slacktivism, and what they mean for our society as a whole.
While I understand the criticism of those who point out that merely signing an online petition or posting support for the latest cause on Facebook does not reflect a strong sense of participation, I would point out that it does show participation. Pro-slacktivists (is that a word?) primarily like to compare modern day online engagement to participation in past social movements of the 60s or 70s. And yes, of course, marching in a civil rights parade or participating in a sit-in against the war at great personal danger is not at all the same as pouring a bucket of ice over your head and posting it to social media (although the ALS Ice Bucket challenge was spectacularly effective!).
But is this really the point?
Do we really want people to worry so much about being judged against past activists that they don’t participate in social causes at all? Sure, some people will never progress along the path of activism past the online participation stage….but many who start out posting online about a cause they sympathize with will become impassioned and perhaps become involved in the cause in their offline life as well. But even if they don’t, I believe the greater cause has still been improved by those at all levels of commitment.
In the area of social movements there is a place for all degrees of participation. There is much to be said for simply participating in raising social awareness of a cause or event. In other words, in order to effect social change, it is crucial that people become aware of problems. If Tweeting about a disease helps bring attention to the need for more research or posting a picture on Facebook helps raise money to support a cause, that is an excellent use of a person’s time.
So while some call it slacktivism, I like to think of it as creating an environment where we are challenged, inspired, and invited to become active and involved in our communities. In an essay about citizenship in Keywords for American Cultural Studies, Lauren Berlant talks about how “citizenship is a relation among strangers who learn to feel it as a common identity based on shared historical, legal, or familial connection” (2014). Social engagement online often fosters the shared sense of identity she refers to, and for that reason, I say, bring on the slacktivism.
P.S. For an interesting look at Millenials and Social Activism, check out this interesting infographic from the folks at e-strategy Trends. What are your thoughts on this topic?
References:
Burgett, Bruce, and Glenn Hendler. Keywords for American Cultural Studies. New York: New York UP, 2014. Print.
Henslin, James M. (2009). Essentials of Sociology – A Down-to-Earth Approach. Boston, MA, USA: Allyn and Bacon. Print
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