“Is social media activism effective?”
The use so social media involves the application of networking sites giving people a platform for participation in some subjects in question. Social networking sites result in personal investigations when people require information on certain matters. Social media sites have become a significant tool in mobilizing activism. According to Malcom (2018), social activists have acquired a new voice. This paper seeks to discuss the effectiveness of social media activism in the contemporary society by highlighting the advantages.
A number of academics argue that social media play a significant role in creating new political actors. For instance, individuals who might have used social media to express their political ideologies in certain causes have a higher degree to engage in politics Checker (2017). Additionally, other scholars point out that the sharing of social media activities is more hierarchically structured than the old media.
Manuel Castells, a sociologist, raises a question of whether technology makes social movements possible. He argues that these social movements are not generated by technology, rather by the use of technology. Castells identifies social media technology as a medium or social construct rather than a neutral tool, which has its implications. Social media interactions can produce or can be produced by economic and political agendas that can influence a collective action. According to Carrasco and Michelon (2017), Castells additionally emphasizes the importance of social media technologies in castigating human emotions and their role in neutralizing those emotions. Social media technologies hence play an essential role in social movements. However, they form part of the opportunities and resources that are used by social movement actors.
Social media activism enhances innovation and influences a clear vision in businesses. It gives room for a better comprehension of how stakeholders can pressure industries and impact the market. Malcom (2018) states that twitter activism plays a significant role in streamlining investor’s decisions, and hence the stock market. Various authors have found a correlation between market indicators and sentiments on Twitter and Facebook, suggesting that social media activism can propagate the future of stock markets. Social media activism, may result in increased trade volume and stock prices or impact them negatively. Corporate decision makers should be aware of social media activism and determine the effects they can cause to their firms and make informed decisions in time.
Several social activists use social media technology to update people on crucial information and influence to participate in the cause. It enables people to stay connected. The activist use social rally for protests, and fundraisers. Many people get informed of the happenings in society through social media by the activities going viral on Twitter of Facebook Checker (2017). A multiple of scholars argues that to truly make a significant impact on people must use social media to involve themselves in movements.