Social justice is an important cause that needs to be proliferated around the world. One of the good things about modern technology is that the way in which we are now interconnected by social networking sites provides a wonderful platform for us to communicate with each other and make social change. For example, sites like Livejournal, Facebook, and Twitter have been the breeding grounds for several revolutions around the world in recent years. Social media also allows us to learn more about issues like Trayvon Martin and incite change and justice.
However, this has also led to what a Huffington Post article has recently called “slacktivism,” which is essentially the practice of equating “liking” something on Facebook without actually taking action to change things. The presence of “slacktivism” has required responsible individuals from around the world to reevaluate their own role in working with social justice and what the line between actually acting on something and simply talking about it is.
This is a very important issue that faces us in the modern age. As we get more and more interconnected by means of communication, it is easier for us to spread news and events than ever before. When it comes to social justice, does our responsibility and after we hit the “share” button, or are we only activists when we get out on the street and hold signs?
This is a major issue that needs to be considered. The next time you consider yourself a crusader for social justice, ask yourself: am I making a difference, or am I simply making a statement that is just words? What do you think about the prevalence of “slacktivism,” and what do you think can be done about it?