Power of Online Activism
To me, online activism is using digital platforms to support and connect with people of movements and sharing your perspective and of others to bring light on issues or topics that need awareness. I would say that online activism and digital activism go hand in hand because it is the use of digital tools like social media and the internet to engage. Usually with online and digital activism, digital tools that are commonly used are online petitions, blogs, social networks like Twitter, Facebook and even YouTube. People with similar perspectives and opinions coming together to raise awareness on certain issues causes there to be bigger conversations.
I believe that, especially on social media today, it is much easier to shine light on issues through social media. Social media communities can definitely encourage others to create positive changes or outcomes. This week’s reading, ‘Activism in the Social Media Age’ discusses how “those who are black or Hispanic — view these platforms as especially important to them as a venue for expressing their political engagement.” As a person who comes from different marginalized groups (I am a black Muslim woman), I personally would agree how social media is a vital tool to reach a wider audience. In the past decade, more and more people of color have used social media as a way to ignite a conversation and actually have their words be heard loud and clear.
Most recent issue within the last year that actually had an impact in the country was the homicide of George Floyd. If it was not for the use of digital tools, the officers involved would not have been caught, confederate monuments wouldn’t have been removed, various educational institution buildings and names wouldn’t have been changed. The list goes on and on. The Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement was heard in 2020. I participated in the online activism of BLM not only because I am a black person, but also because it was close to home. Sharing my opinions and being a part of live conversations was because of digital tools. To this day, it has created a positive change and direction towards systemic racism.
