Changing the World One Click at a Time?

I think based on recent events like the Black Lives Matter movement it has been proven that social media plays at least a part in how change is introduced in our society. Given the scope and reach of the media, there are few alternatives that would allow the same number of people to be exposed to the same information. Social media like Facebook and Twitter have the ability to rapidly share information, accurate or not. The speed that news is now spread is epidemic-like because society today has an incredible emphasis on using social media. Since there are so many like-minded people, it becomes a lot easier to influence a great number of individuals. It can be used to mobilize people by sharing information and ideas, but the trouble with social media (and the internet) is that people are free to hide behind their screens. While it has the capacity to send the message “Get out there, go do something!” most of the time I feel it is just an outlet to talk about ideals, not to actually take action. In order for true social or political change to take place, the battle must be won through our physical society and not the online communities that form. The good news is I feel social media does have the capacity to be much more beneficial and as current movements have demonstrated we are moving in the right direction. The women’s march is a good example of the media spreading awareness and asking for a call to action. The call to action is what I believe is missing in many cases because this is what distinguishes simply sharing an opinion online, and actually going out to make a real difference in the world. In earlier times of social and political change, this was the only way to do things, in many ways social media has made us lazy and unmotivated. It’s much easier to post a strongly worded status update then to get in the car and drive down to the local community march. Overall, while I feel social media has the ability to mobilize and empower people, we are still a ways away from being able to effectively use it.