I JOINED social media while I was in high school to connect with friends and family, play farmyard games, and share memes that I found funny.
I am sure many of you also joined for similar reasons. The older I get, the more I see the power of social media through its wider reach and connectivity.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, I was one of many young people who used social media to combat misinformation by sharing posts and information from credible sources. I also started to post short “think pieces” on my status. Prior to the pandemic, I utilised my physical platforms in certain projects or spaces to advocate. During the pandemic, I simply navigated that advocacy through online platforms, and that is just one example of what digital activism is.

If you’re an avid reader of Youth Perspective, you’d know that this writer enjoys labelling things for what they truly are. As such, I am here to tell you that advocacy and activism come in many forms, and Digital Activism should not be excluded from that list.
Digital activism does not only happen through social media.

Some activists utilise online blogs, virtual events, online groups, and even virtual petitions to highlight their work or raise awareness on various topics. Before the digital age of advocacy, fundraisers had to be done in person. Instead of planning a BBQ fun day to raise funds for a major surgery, people can now set up ‘GoFundMe’ pages. This does not limit the number of people who can donate, nor does geography stand as a barrier to donations. With that in mind, I want to emphasise the reach that Digital Activism can have.

Some activists, like Malala Yousafzai, can share information with millions of people at once. Her followers can share with their followers, thus creating a ripple effect of information sharing and connectivity. Many activists understand their roles, but not many understand their responsibility. Whether on online platforms or in person—I urge you all to fact-check your information before sharing.

It would be very irresponsible to share misinformation, and it could also cause your followers to mistrust your judgement on certain matters. You should also be mindful and respectful while creating a safe space online. I have seen ‘advocates’ campaign for mental health support while using the same platforms to belittle or distress others. You ought to be responsible. Otherwise, you have no right to wear the title of an advocate or activist.

Social media, when mixed with advocacy, can be draining and frustrating at times. As such, it is also important to have boundaries in your advocacy because of how it can affect your own mental health. In social development, digital activism is on the rise, with many international agencies now taking their fight for justice online. If leveraged effectively, digital activism can also turn into a potential career path.

As social issues and challenges become more complex, we ought to find innovative ways to address them, and I urge young advocates and activists to utilise social media to help raise awareness of the injustices they see. You can start small by using a hashtag or participating in an online social movement trend. Consider using social media or even a blog the next time your church’s youth group wants to address drug abuse or when your local biology club wants to help raise awareness of the impacts of climate change. Your Digital Activism does not have to be elaborate and extensive. In my opinion, it does not matter the size of your impact because helping even one person is better than helping none at all.