HASHTAG ACTIVISM

Real action or slacktivism?

Susan McPherson @susanmcp1

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Hashtivism (noun):the use of hashtags on

social media (mainly, but not solely, on Twitter) to express and promote a

political or social positionSusan McPherson

@susanmcp1

Hashtag activism must be paired with real-world action to be meaningful.

Susan McPherson @susanmcp1

Origins• #ArabSpring• #OWS – Occupy Wall Street• #Kony2012 – call to stop Ugandan

military leader and war criminal Joseph Kony, who had been kidnapping child soldiers since the early 90s

• #JusticeForTrayvon 

#NotBuyingIt

#Ask4More

#SolidarityisForWhiteWomen

#changetheratio

#yesallwomen

#BringBackOurGirls

#BanBossy

#WeAreSilent

#womenshould

#iamMalala

Susan McPherson @susanmcp1

#LeanIn

#GirlRising

#StandWithWendy

#WomenShould

#ImAGirl

The benefits of hashtag activism are

very real. Raise awareness Build and organize communities Give a voice to the voiceless Educate Increase civic engagement Garner media attention

Susan McPherson @susanmcp1

But tweeting and sharing via social media alone will NEVER solve anything.

Susan McPherson @susanmcp1

What do you think?

Is hashtag activism real action or slacktivism?

Tweet your answer #DLDhashtivismSusan McPherson

@susanmcp1

THANK YOUSusan McPherson

@susanmcp1