Instagram Activism: Pros and Cons
The internet and social media play active roles in many peoples’ lives, particularly for younger generations. This leaves a large impact on our methods of communication, including how we advocate for social justice. On Instagram, eye-catching activism-related posts have seen a surge in popularity, for better or for worse.
At first glance, the concept of these infographics seems great—they are shareable, easy to understand, and draw attention to pressing issues. For a lot of young people with an interest in social justice but without the money or ability to engage in larger ways, it is a convenient way to make a contribution. During June 2020, they were especially popular as a way to share information, petitions, and resources related to the Black Lives Matter movement. Due to the easily accessible nature of the posts, that information was shared to a wide audience in an accessible and digestible format, which was a valuable advantage.
However, their simplicity is also a drawback. The concise format means less room for nuance, context, and specifics, which are often important when discussing difficult and complex topics. Even more concerning is potential inaccuracy. Unlike a research paper or news article, Instagram posts are unlikely to cite sources and statistics. If the audience reading them is not conscious of this risk, then it could lead to misleading information being shared on a large scale.
Another valid criticism of Instagram activism is its performative nature. While spreading awareness about social justice via social media is helpful, it is a relatively small and low-effort contribution compared to protesting, donating, or otherwise real-world ways of showing support. However, unlike those other actions, it is very public. This combination begs the question of genuineness—are the people sharing the posts more concerned about actually making a difference, or appearing conscientious to their followers? It is difficult to gauge.
This performatism is even worse when it comes to corporations’ public messages. During June, a vast number of companies posted messages of half-hearted apology or support in regards to their commitment to racial equality. On the positive side, it is remarkable that the public pressured companies to express a commitment to equality. However, these messages may not be consistent with the companies’ history of diversity, labor practices, and workplace environment, which makes their one-off messages seem hypocritical. If it is not backed up by genuine commitment, then corporate activism is probably just an attempt to profit.
Aside from intentions, the aesthetic of activist Instagram posts is potentially questionable. Generally, the most popular posts are visually pretty. This is not inherently bad, but it is important to consider at what point the aesthetic of the posts overshadows the actual information. The focus of online activism should be on education and awareness, not creating an aesthetically pleasing feed.
Social media activism is not black and white. With all of its advantages and drawbacks, it is key to consider the situation instead of just mindlessly posting. One should be conscious of the accuracy of what they share and consume, and try to engage in activism outside of social media as well. With that in mind, social media platforms can absolutely be a valuable tool for sharing well-intentioned, useful, and accessible information.
