Digital Activism and the Fallacy of Slacktivism

It is hard to see how much happens before a computer screen in private homes. The idea that nothing happens unless it is witnessed by someone else is not a new thing. It is likely one of the reasons behind the concept of slacktivism. Madison and Klang argue in their article that there is value in digital activism. Digital Activism is essentially the use of social media to to create change and one emerging concept is that it is considered a "lazy" form of activism. Throughout the semester, we have learned that activism is valuable in any form. This should not be a concept that is new, either. Consider marketing techniques and advertising or the old saying, "any press is good press." The first rule of activism is that awareness is raised. Whether that be in the form of a pamphlet being handed out or a shared website or tweet, that rule is being met. In the Pro-Choice movement, there are lots of opportunities to be a boot on the ground. Organizations like Planned Parenthood offer that. What they also offer is the ability to participate in any fashion, great or small. This is why they seek donations, help with social media campaigns to disseminate information and more. And they do this in concert with social media and local chapter efforts. Social media has a power that cannot be denied and that is instant dissemination of materials and information. It is what will keep the movement alive. In other words, slacktivism does not exist.