Couch Activism or Digital Media Advocacy?

By: Hafeezat Bishi

2020 has turned out to be something that no one could have seen playing out the way it has so far. Part of what has shaped it is the surge of activism on social media. While it has always been there, with the Black Lives Matter protests this summer in response to the death of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and unfortunately countless others, it has increased exponentially.

More recently with the current election, folks have taken to social media to share key information about voting rights, the stances of presidential candidates on key issues, as well as how you can make sure to get your vote in on time during COVID. Yesterday, many people used their platforms to remind others that today was the last day to vote in person or return their mail-in ballots, and for those on the fence when it came to voting, this was a last-ditch effort to convince them to head to the polling places before they closed.

You now have pages dedicated to dissecting information in relation to social justice issues for folks who want to share easily digestible content. Pages like soyouwantotalkabout on Instagram utilize simple graphics, verified information, and the carousel feature to share key points on topics such as the current passing of restrictive abortion laws in Poland, or the effects of fracking on the environment . These pages break it down for you so you have an easier time researching information afterwards.

Most recently, we had seen an outpouring of support from the online community when it came to the #EndSARS campaign and protests in Nigeria. If you’re not familiar with #EndSARS and what it means, people in Nigeria are currently protesting against the Special Anti-Robbery Squad or SARS, their form of police there. They’re currently protesting against the squad’s ruthless behavior towards civilians, from robbery to even murder.

#EndSARS has been used on social media to raise awareness and share resources for ways to get help if you’re a protestor, how to donate funds, as well as capturing what is happening down there in real time. Those on the ground have been very adamant about the fact that if you want to be in support of them, you have to be outspoken about your support. The words “soro soke” have been used by protestors to drive this point. The phrase means “speak up” in Yoruba, a native language of Nigeria, and that is exactly what is needed from allies in this fight.

Unfortunately, some people have been hesitant to speak up—namely influencers and celebrities. Many claimed to be doing work “behind the scenes” and said to not believe that just because they aren’t saying anything on social media doesn’t mean they’re not doing anything offline. This is an excuse that has been exhausted countless times with other social movements. This is an excuse that can no longer fly.

In a digital age, our main source of information these days is from the internet. You are probably more likely to find something out via a trending hashtag on Twitter vs. word of mouth. So it is essential that information be sent out widely if the situation calls for it. Not only that, but work on social media is not pointless.

Because of the reach these platforms have, you have a better chance of making an impact and teaching somebody something new via social media. When a movement is asking you to be vocal and outspoken, you must listen to their demands or else you center yourself in the situation and not their cause.

“Couch activism” was one of the reasons why so many crowdfunding campaigns for Black Lives Matter reached their goals these past couple of months. “Couch activism” is one of the reasons why folks were able to find comrades in their fight for social justice.

“Couch activism” allowed so many people to come together and coordinate widespread protests and campaigns over the summer. So the work that folks do online while they’re sitting on their couch is more impactful than some think.

These days, the mainstream media doesn’t always give the full picture when it comes to certain situations. While it is good to listen to them for basic facts and information, if you want nuance, or if you want a real story of what went down at a protest one day, go online. Watch in real time what is happening, read the Twitter threads, and share what you see.

Sometimes it is the only thing you can do in the moment, but that is okay. It may not seem like you’re making a huge difference, but your repost could start a ripple effect of sharing information that helps a cause in imaginable ways.

Cover Photo Credit: Hafeezat Bishi