Activism in the Social Media Age

The buzz on social media platforms often preceded major events during the pro-democracy Arab
Spring movement in the Middle East. Coordination between citizens could take place online and
outside of government control. Empowering and perhaps raising the people's expectations of a
successful political uprising. The power social media offers toward social change is explained by
University of Washington’s communication professor Philip Howard when he states; “People who
shared interest in democracy built extensive social networks and organized political action. Social
media became a critical part of the toolkit for greater freedom.”

The Arab Spring is an example of one of the first times the media and public sat up and noted the roll
social media could play in social justice. Since then,the “Twitter revolution” has evolved into political
engagement and social activism after real world events have taken place. Spikes in the use of
hashtags following these events have become the archetypal example of modern protests.

The Pew Research Center report Activism in the Social Media Age analyses the online response to
major news events and conducted polls to find out public perception of social media’s impact on
social change.

The report reveals somewhat predictable results. Showing younger people of color who vote
democrat believing that social media has a positive impact on changing social perception on certain
issues. While older, white republicans think the impact is less powerful.

Social media proves to at least help start a discussion and awareness is the first step to change. Groups like SWAG would be wise to take advantage of this data that shows their is an immediate interest online surrounding an event and leverage this conclusion to gain more attention to their cause. - Paul Manes Read more here:http://www.pewinternet.org/2018/07/11/activism-in-the-social-media-age/