Can digital activism lead to real world change?
By Anish Asokan
@RevivedWarrior (3853)
India
January 3, 2025 12:01pm CST
With advent of social media, digital activism has emerged as powerful tool. It is definitely capable of mobilizing support around important political and social issues. We have many examples from the last one decade plus.
We definitely have great examples with digital movements. There were real-world protests (E.g. Arab world in 2011-14), policy changes and even fundraising for different causes. Then there was also #Metoo movement, which has led to policy changes even at most workplace along with awareness sessions in most countries and businesses. Digital activism has definitely helped in amplifying the efforts of marginalized voices, which are not heard in traditional media.
However, I have felt there are many online movements which struggle even to translate into actions. One shining example would be climate change. People do engage in posts or content about climate change. They like, share or comment. However, there is less real-world action except for isolated protests. There is certain pressure that needs to be built on certain key issues, but online campaigns have largely been a failure on that front.
Do you believe digital activism can lead to real world change?
9 people like this
7 responses
@anya12adwi (10292)
• India
3 Jan 25
Digital activism can help with the actions which require efforts in smaller scales!
2 people like this
@RevivedWarrior (3853)
• India
4 Jan 25
Atleast with whats seen so far, I do agree on that insight. Thanks for sharing!
@kaylachan (84784)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
3 Jan 25
Depends on what the change is, and if it's realistic or not. When it comes to climet change for example, that's not so much a real problem that can translate into real world change. It's down to indivuals, and only being to control ourselves. I do my part to recycle, but once the truck comes to pick it up, I don't know if it's going to the recycling center or a landfill. Nor do I know if the product if it gets to the recycling center is sorted properly and reused. Some things like fuel replacments aren't going to happen quickly, but doesn't mean it's not happening. We have EV's and hybrids. And well, we're not quite ready for them because it's not effective either. You can't rush change, you have to want it. And you have to stick with what works while working on an answer.
1 person likes this
@RevivedWarrior (3853)
• India
4 Jan 25
Very true and I agree - the change needs to be realistic at the end of the da.Thanks for sharing!
@kaylachan (84784)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
4 Jan 25
@RevivedWarrior I understand change is good, but you need realistic exptatins.
1 person likes this
@allknowing (153530)
• India
4 Jan 25
To some extent yes That helps decisoin taking
1 person likes this
@RevivedWarrior (3853)
• India
4 Jan 25
Digital activisim has its merits but then there is a long way to go. Thanks for sharing!
@luisadannointed (11848)
• Philippines
7 Jan 25
Yes, for people awareness this is very effective, but the downside it was abused from power seeker and greedy, that's why sometimes its kinda scary, and people should always be cautious and search deeper to avoid misinformation that intentionally done to confuse people and led them to anger and reason that divides the trust of others.
1 person likes this
@RevivedWarrior (3853)
• India
8 Jan 25
Well, digital activism needs to be followed cautiously. Thanks for sharing!
@dgobucks226 (37621)
•
9 Jan 25
Social media platforms can bring awareness to an issue, but there are flaws. Much information presented can be inaccurate, slanted toward a particular person's viewpoint, or often lacking in relevant factual information to back it up. This has shown itself to be true with terms like misinformation and disinformation accompanying many arguments.
Controversial social issues like abortion and climate change are often presented in an emotional way lacking in true factual research. Although I believe digital activism is useful, in the end one must rely on their own common sense and research to navigate through what is hyperbole and what is real.
1 person likes this
@RevivedWarrior (3853)
• India
9 Jan 25
Well mentioned- End of the day all the information gathered from social media needs to be assessed properly. Thanks for sharing!
@RevivedWarrior (3853)
• India
4 Jan 25
Well, I wish all countries atleast work on the climate change before its too late. Thanks for sharing!
