Activism or slacktivism? The potential and pitfalls of social media in contemporary student activism.

Abstract

The emergence of social media has greatly influenced 21st-century student activism. It has also given rise to the birth of "slacktivism," an online form of self-aggrandizing, politically ineffective activism. This theoretical article delves into the conceptualizations of what constitutes student activism versus slacktivism in a digital age. While there are distinctions between the 2, we highlight how most discussions of activism describe how activism is done as opposed to what it is. Within this context, we offer 10 theoretical underpinnings of activism and slacktivism to serve as conceptual points of self-reflection that student activists can use in order to explore whether or not they are truly engaging in activism. This examination, we argue, is critically important as the distinction between slacktivism and activism becomes increasingly muddied. For student activism to realize its democratic and developmental potential, students need to be clear about whether they are engaging in activism or slacktivism.

Towards a Conceptualization of Young People’s Political Engagement: A Qualitative Focus Group Study

“…In their opinion, each indicated political engagement. Although this finding fits with Christensen's definition of slacktivism (that online political activities have no impact on real-life political outcomes but instead serve only to increase the feel-good factor of the participants), it also challenges the negative connotation of slacktivism offered within some of the literature (e.g., [53,54,80,81]). …”

Reframing Activism as Leadership

“…These findings confirm earlier research suggesting web engagement translated to decreased personal activity. Other scholars have found it difficult to delineate results of cyber engagement given the tensions among activism and slacktivism —or the act of engaging in cyber political activities that may result in little to no practical outcomes (Cabrera, Matias, & Montoya, ; Gray‐Denson, ). Greater examination along the lines of nationality, race, and class may serve to nuance how we think about these uses of on and offline activism.…”

Asian American College Student Activism and Social Justice in Midwest Contexts

“…For example, Asian American students may struggle with how to balance their support of Black student activism with fighting for recognition of the history of racism against Asian Americans. And, while such conversations can be difficult, activism requires some level of risk (Cabrera, Matias, & Montoya, ), and advocating for social justice requires engaging in controversy with courage (Museus, Lee, Calhoun, Sánchez‐Parkinson, & Ting, ). Institutions should consider how to equip and support Asian American and other students to engage in these conversations within and outside of their communities.…”