Digital Activism

I knew what digital activism existed, but just did not know it was referred to as digital activism. To be honest, I found most platforms like that to be irritating because sometimes I felt like it caused more drama and arguments on social media than anything. Whenever I would see a political post I would scroll past it unless there were entertaining arguments in the comments. I have also never posted anything of the sort of digital activism specifically because I did not want to stir anything up. However, after reading the given articles on digital activism I agree that social media is one of the best ways to get certain issues or topics talked about and noticed on a wide scaled quickly.

These days almost everyone has some form or access to social media. Therefore it is a smart idea to use that as a platform. The activism is effective because they get a big audience rather quickly. It is also easy to share resources, tools, and ideas. Digital activism is more effective than television these days, and marches or protest only reach a specific area. People are constantly scrolling through their electronic devices so it is easily seen to many. One of the issues with digital activism is people are never too sure how credible something is because of the term, “never believe everything you read on the internet”. Also, if you are participating in the activism, it leaves you at risk online and offline against those who do not agree with you.

Just like with any use of the internet, the way you go about posting information or presenting things has to be done carefully. It is very easy for things to be misinterpreted on the internet. I found a lot of things interesting about this module. I read a lot of the biographies for the teens that participate in digital activism and it was really inspiring. It makes me want to do more personally but also makes me feel glad that there are people out there making a difference and doing well in the world. The ages ranged from late elementary kids to older teens/young adults. I think it is essential to get young kids informed about different topics and getting them involved. Everyone should also be informed on the appropriate and respectful ways to go about digital activism, because that is just as important as the act itself.