From hashtag to action: The digital and online activism

Unlike past generations, modern technology has equipped today's youth with new tools for young activists. A key strength of social media is its ability to connect with individual and global movements, overcoming geographical divides.

- KARINA KUMARI BISWAL & BIRANCHI NARAYAN P PANDA

Social media developed as a game-changing tool for youth activism, reshaping how to support political and social causes. Youth activists utilize platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter as convenient and impactful channels to spread awareness, build momentum, and gather support.

With the help of hashtags, online communities and viral campaigns, social media has facilitated opportunities for activism, giving individuals around the world the chance to contribute to movements like #MeToo, #FridayForFortune, #ClimateStrike, #BlackoutTuesday, and #StopAsianHate, and so on.

The #FridayForFortune movement, under Greta Thunberg's leadership, illustrates the reach of digital activism. The movement leverages social media to extend globally, uniting millions of young people from 150 countries to demand climate action. This success highlights how social media can convert a regional campaign into an international movement with a significant impact.

Based on the findings from the report published in 2019 by the Pew Research Center, according to their research, 67% of adults between the ages of 18-29 expressed their views on social and political issues. This figure displays social media's widespread influence and reach in shaping youth participation in public conversation.

In a similar fashion, the World Economic Forum noted in the 2021 report that with the help of social media, over 70% of people worldwide have been able to engage in activism, amplifying their contribution to major issues like climate change and gender inequality.