Social Media Activism is defined as the use of platforms such as Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter, TikTok, or WhatsApp to raise awareness, or share information, and advocate for the social, political, or cultural issues. In this technological era, it is one of the easiest ways to spread the message quickly and widely.
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It gives individuals a voice, as social media activism helps to amplify the marginalized voices, helps to educate the people, and inspire others to take action.
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People have discovered new ways to communicate and collaborate through social media. Features such as feeds, profiles, and groups on social platforms provide global access to organizations that can promote and increase visibility by sharing and networking. Modern communication students study these virtual platforms, and can even pursue careers creating and distributing digital content. The power of social media can amplify voices, instantaneously spread information, and increase collaboration across diverse groups of people
The Black Lives Matter movement began as an online community that worked to combat anti-black racism and police violence that targets African Americans in particular, using the hashtag #BlackLivesMatter. Through the use of the hashtag and social media platforms, the online community has been able to organize, mobilize, and improve its visibility, eventually becoming an organization with more than 40 chapters that work to support black lives.
The #BlackLivesMatter hashtag was created by the co-founder and strategic advisor Patrisse Khan-Cullors through inspiration from a love letter written to black people by co-founder Alicia Garza, following the killing of Trayvon Martin. According to the Pew Research Center (an average of 17,002 times per day) from its first use in July 2013 to the research cap date of May 1, 2018. The hashtag was slow to gain initial momentum, but has since resulted in daily usage. The hashtags become more popular during the events or protests, speeches, and in stories, people use them in the social media to share information, spread awareness, and to unite in the important conversation, it was like to bring the people together. It was the successful activism to build a strong community where people could support each other.
this is an insightful piece Nancy!
i loved the fact that you were detailed about the black lives matter which happens to be one of the most transformative movement.
Thanks for sharing this post—it really highlights how powerful and transformative social media can be when used for advocacy and connection. I especially appreciated your focus on how hashtags like #BlackLivesMatter have grown into global movements. It’s inspiring to see how a digital space can become a real-world force for unity and change. You did a great job showing how social platforms give people—especially those who’ve been unheard—a way to speak out and be seen. A great reminder of how meaningful online actions can be when they’re rooted in purpose and community.
Hello Nancy
Firstly, I appreciate your understanding about social activism. of course, social media is powerful platform to raise awareness .