Image: National Geographic
I am not a huge fan of social media. I’m very cynical about its effect on society, especially on teenagers who are growing up with it already woven into their daily lives. However, I do use it. I don’t have Facebook or Twitter, but when it comes to Instagram, I confess, I’m a hypocrite. I’ve often thought about deleting it, but one argument always prevails to keep me connected: activism. Social media allows to me to share petitions, campaigns, human rights issues and environmental actions. It also enables me to seek ways to actively get involved with topics I’m concerned about, such as climate change. When I watched Leonardo DiCaprio’s Before the Flood for example, or read There is no Planet B by Mike Berners-Lee (both recommendations) I was left feeling motivated to do something, something beyond the small, daily actions, like reducing waste and ditching plastic. I wanted to take to the streets, scream from the rooftops, meet like-minded people and discuss what can be changed on a large scale. I’ve tried in the past to think of ways this can be achieved without social media. No doubt this can be done. However, no matter how many ways I look at it, social media is the easiest way to connect with organisations who share the same aims, goals and concerns.
It’s the most efficient method for seeking events, marches, meetings, groups and representatives that are attempting to tackle the things that I care about. From there, social media becomes a springboard for diving into action in real life.