One article claims that online activism campaigns are conducive to slacktivism which , while giving people the illusion of contributing, “seems to have a surprising knock-on effect on real-life behaviour. It could make people donate less money to…causes.”
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Clicktivism vs. Slacktivism
A blurred line
“Clicktivism” is a word newly defined by the Oxford English Dictionary as “the use of social media and other online methods to promote a cause.” “Slacktivism,” describes the way in which online activism can make internet users feel charitable, when in reality they are not participating in effective and meaningful activism. Examples of Clicktivism include online petitions, facebook likes, and posts. Many who participate in clicktivism believe in the power of social media to disseminate information in ways that can educate and engage people in movements against particular injustices. Clicktivism can also easily connect interested internet users with organizations to get involved with. Others believe that clicktivism produces slacktivists who cannot think of more effective ways to thoughtfully engage with the world’s injustices and just want to feel selfless. The power of online media campaigns to produce meaningful change cannot be assessed with one, sweeping conclusion and the potency of campaigns must be assessed on a case-to-case basis.