Just ‘like’ it?
Life is busy! We are always running from one thing to the next struggling to find time. Enter technology: Providing the tools required to “get s&*t done” so we can meet ALL of our objectives.
Many question if technology has taken over our lives preventing the occurrence of an uninterrupted dinner or afternoon at the beach. Devices have already surpassed social convention to become a safety guard, one that allows us to hide behind our software during awkward conversations or moments we consider boring.
In this distorted reality we are sincerer in text than in person and visually represent ourselves to perfection. This virtual self alludes to excellence in all aspects, social (Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat), professional (LinkedIn, Slack) and soulful. No, I’m not referring to the Beygency, but rather soulful as the emotional aspect with which we nurture, often through helping others. Activism is an act of civic duty that in one way or another strives to improve our surroundings. In the good old days, one could include these to be acts of volunteering at specific locations or attending sit-ins.
In today’s modern, tech obsessed era there is no need to get out of ones snuggie to save the world because, of course, there’s an app for that. Every charity, NGO or movement has social media behind it to ensure they are seen and heard. This flat structure of earned media ensures accessibility for any and all with a cause, to publish it online and capture an audience. There have been many examples of viral campaigns which have gained traction and brought important issues to light like the #bringbackourgirls crusade and the recent #marchforourlives.
Social media platforms have provided a new array of options for global citizens or e-activists. One can participate, share, like, comment, donate, attend events and e-sign petitions. One can also inform themselves about current campaigns, their setbacks and accomplishments. This tie creates a personal link and solidifies a bond rather than donating ‘blindly’ to a cause. It also means the activist will be more than likely to continue a relationship with the organisation rather than a one off donation.
Currently, even digital activism is easy but the question then begs, is this enough?
Like me, many have grown tired of the traditional ‘donation’ pathway, losing faith not only in its administrators but also its effectiveness in reaching victims.
Amnesty international (Australia) has a mass following and relies purely on public support as they do not accept donations from government or political organisations as a matter of policy. While their online community is enormous, they are well aware that the digital self alone cannot make sufficient impact. Their volunteer base boasts activists willing to protest at any location around Australia in days or hours. This is of course possible because of the communication power of the internet but they are aware that without the physical people power, many of their successes would not have been achieved. In order to counter act slackitivsm they regularly promote protests and gatherings. Recent public demonstrations include rallies for Same Sex Marriage and the Manus/Naru Island Refugees. They offer free Workshops (as per below) providing citizens activist resources.
While I don’t believe the current problems faced are any less than those before us, I do think we are unaware of how to channel our energies. You see, Martin did not have a tweet, he had a dream and while today he probably would have had both, without action there is no change.
We need to begin thinking outside the screen to ensure technology assists our actions without dominating them.
References:
Amnesty International Australia, (2018), Community Sponsorship Activist Resources - Amnesty International Australia, [online] Available at: https://www.amnesty.org.au/cspresources/ [Accessed 18 Apr. 2018]
Earl, J, (2016), 'Slacktivism' that works: 'Small changes' matter, [online] The Conversation. Available at: https://theconversation.com/slacktivism-that-works-small-changes-matter-69271 [Accessed 18 Apr. 2018]
Gerbaudo, P 2012, Tweets and the Streets : Social Media and Contemporary Activism, Pluto, London.
Grace, R, (2017), Australians making fewer donations to charity, report finds. [online] The Age. Available at: https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/australians-making-fewer-donations-to-charity-report-finds-20171205-gzz2gs.html [Accessed 18 Apr. 2018]
March For Our Lives, (2018), Our Mission to End School Shootings | March For Our Lives - March 24, 2018, [online] Available at: https://marchforourlives.com/mission-statement/ [Accessed 18 Apr. 2018]
Youmans, W, & York, J 2012, 'Social Media and the Activist Toolkit: User Agreements, Corporate Interests, and the Information Infrastructure of Modern Social Movements', Journal Of Communication, vol. 62, no. 2, pp. 315-329
Image references:
Newman, D, (2014), The Role Of Paid, Owned And Earned Media In Your Marketing Strategy, [online] Forbes.com. Available at: https://www.forbes.com/sites/danielnewman/2014/12/03/the-role-of-paid-owned-and-earned-media-in-your-marketing-strategy/2/#4623afa43cd4 [Accessed 18 Apr. 2018]
Wikimedia Commons (1963), Dr. Martin Luther King, [image] Available at: https://www.rawstory.com/2018/03/martin-luther-king-jr-much-radical-message-dream-racial-brotherhood/ [Accessed 18 Apr. 2018]