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How has social media activism changed over the years, and what does the future hold for this kind of activism?

Siddie Leivers

Social media activism has become a force to be reckoned with in recent years as platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram provide an outlet for people to voice their opinions and promote causes they believe in. With social media providing a global reach, activism has evolved from being solely an offline movement to an online phenomenon as well. However, social media activism has also undergone significant changes, and a consideration of the past, present, and future is necessary to analyze where we are and where we are headed.

Since the inception of social media activism, it has taken on many different forms. Initially, social media was a tool for spreading awareness and broadcasting opinions. Users could share posts, photos, and videos to call attention to social and political issues. Stakeholders did not always take the efforts of the online activists seriously, drawing much criticism.

However, today, social media activists are making real-world change happen due to their powerful online mobilization. Social media has helped to shape the debate around sensitive issues, forcing political leaders to sit up and take notice or seek the approval of the masses. Public officials have begun to recognize and acknowledge the power of social media and have at times joined the conversation from their own accounts.

Social media activism today echoes the perspectives of people more than ever before. Today, mobile devices provide access to social media to every corner of the world, and social media occupies every moment of an individual's day. This ubiquitous adoption has brought power to individuals and set the stage for social media activism. However, social media activism and the manipulations on social media have also undergone malicious use.

As such, it’s crucial to question the effectiveness of the social media efforts of users. Is it all talk but no action? Are platforms like Twitter and Facebook serving to create echo chambers, where users only hear the opinions of those who agree with them? Has it reduced the seriousness of complex issues that demand trained input? Such issues are of much relevance and have been availed through various research studies.

Moreover, looking into the future, it can be expected that social media activism will continue to play a significant role in political activism, bringing both advantages and considerable drawbacks. Social media is here to stay, and there are immense opportunities to be tapped in promoting a better world through social media activism. However, the stakes are high, and activists need to maintain integrity in their course for change.

Finally, it is up to every social media user to question what path they take with their online activism. Will they choose to be a part of problematic echo chambers that seed negativity and reinforce the thoughts they already own, or will they lead and seek to hear other voices and work together with those with whom they disagree? It's important to incite conversations, raise awareness, and promote change that can lead to a better tomorrow.