Embracing The Digital Roar to Drive Advocacy and Activism
There is much to be said about living in an age where information travels faster than ever before, because after all, digital media has become an integral part of our lives. More importantly, though, if you take a step back and look at the bigger picture, it is an influential catalyst for advocacy and activism, uniting global communities in their pursuit of social change. Even as I write this piece, social media is abuzz with yet another set of hashtags, for yet another cause bigger than ourselves.
The Israel-Palestinian conflict, a long-standing source of global tension, has found a renewed voice through digital media. Online platforms, such as X and Instagram, are powerful tools for individuals and organisations to share personal stories and firsthand accounts of the conflict’s human rights violations. Citizen journalism and user-generated content across different social media platforms has provided outsiders with actual footage and insights on the ongoings of the war. More importantly, they have become a platform to call out world leaders, create spaces for dialogue among those with different opinions, and generate a counter-narrative after decades of resistance.
Similarly, the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement gained global attention and momentum due to the massive outcry on social media, where the hashtags did not leave the trending page for weeks on end. Born out of a pressing need to address systemic racism and police violence, the movement harnessed the full potential of digital media. Digital platforms served as an outlet for sharing videos, live streams, and personal stories, exposing the harsh realities faced by black people in America.
On another, lesser acknowledged note, the looming global climate crisis has also gained some attention through digital media. Online platforms are hubs for the sharing of climate data, stories of environmental activists, and scientific findings. Climate activists like Greta Thunberg have leveraged social media to mobilise people across the globe. Initiatives like #FridaysForFuture brought young activists together, uniting them in their demand for urgent climate action. The international reach of digital media has been pivotal in pressuring governments and corporations to confront the climate emergency.
The impact of digital media extends far beyond these notable examples. Issues such as gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, healthcare reform, and poverty alleviation have all been advanced through digital activism. The rise of crowdfunding campaigns, online petitions, and digital protests has become a norm, providing ordinary individuals like you and me the power to express concerns and drive real change.
Though it comes with its challenges, the coupling of social media awareness and in-person rallying and protests has truly proved to be the most effective combination in terms of sparking societal change and ensuring that crucial issues are acknowledged. Digital media stands as an unparalleled force for amplifying marginalised voices, uniting global communities, and compelling systemic change on an international scale – and it is our collective responsibility to harness its potential for good.
About the Author: With chai and Google Docs as trusted companions, Abrish Nayyar has honed the art of weaving stories, fueled by late-night inspiration and the mundane world. Aspiring to one day be a published author, to her, every article is an inch closer to that goal.
