In the recent years, particularly with the popularization of social media apps and other internet means of communication, the term Slacktivism has taken root. Alternatively called hashtag activism, it can be described as a particular brand of activism made possible through the online sphere. Although the two terms do have some definitive qualities, they are mostly used interchangeably in the online sphere. The usual activism is a process that involves pushing for, or supporting a particular sociopolitical cause. It is usually accomplished through the means of public advocacy, direct action, or protest. Activism is mainly directed at enacting change in society, promoting equality, morality and justice, as well as spreading awareness. While each person’s individual advocacy might differ, its presence is design to create discourse in the public sphere and lead to change. Knowing this, one can now characterize slacktivism in contrast with its regular counterpart. The emerging term is made by combining the words activism and slack, instantly creating negative connotations with its usage. Generally, the word has come to symbolize performative activism, one that is done mainly through the internet. The process involves people posting on social media about their cause, and using hashtags to spread the message. Slacktivism is mainly seen as activism with a lack of impact, one that requires almost no effort, and does not have a significant impact on the world at large. The similar term, “hashtag activism”, is usually used to mean the same thing, or refer specifically to the use of hashtags as a means of lazy activism. Issues most discussed by this kinds of activity involve social justice problems, cases of racial discrimination or other topics that cause a lot of upstir online. It is necessary to note, for the purposes of this discussion, that activism through the internet in general is a possible and effective way of enacting change, although usually in other forms of influence. The use of the online sphere can be relegated to gathering people for in-person campaigns, as well as the promotion of online petitions. Slacktivism, on the other hand, is an ineffective kind of online activism, one which is mostly done to virtue signal to other people.
The topic of slacktivism is also considered to be quite contentious in this day and age, with people arguing about both its positive and negative implications. For the possible benefits, it can be said that even this form of activism still helps to spread progressive messages, in addition to serving as an easy introduction to change for people interested (What is slacktivism and is it even helping? 2020). For people that have not yet hit legal adult age, or cannot participate in the usual activism, the process of spreading a message or signing a petition can be the only way to enact change, or at least spread their own beliefs into the world. Alternatively, it can also be said that slacktivism is note regarded well in online communities or political circles, and for valid reasons. First of all, it is largely ineffective at solving real-life issues or addressing problems in any meaningful way. A message online or a post spread around is unable to affect government, society, or the justice system, which makes such activism largely useless (Lodewijckx, 2020). Secondly, it can be said that slacktivism is more prominently used to amass social clout, or create an appearance of caring about a subject, it is the bare minimum of what a person can do while also not appearing indifferent. Lastly, the spread of such methods is counterproductive to enacting real change, as it over overshadows more complicated or difficult methods of activism in favor of simplicity.
References
What is slacktivism and is it even helping?Nonprofit Hub. (2020).
Lodewijckx, I. (2020). ‘Slacktivism’: Legitimate action or just lazy liking? CitizenLab’s Blog.