Just when you thought social media had reached its peak domination in society, the current global pandemic pushed the number of hours spent scrolling, posting, streaming and chatting online into overdrive.
Instagram’s notorious promotion of unrealistic beauty standards saw models in bikinis and make-up gurus dominate the platform in recent years, however 2020’s increased online activity has shifted the focus from flawless skin to Black Lives Matter.
To withhold what some might describe as a “successful” online presence in today’s societal popularity contest, you have to tick a lot of boxes.
Shockingly, people are less interested in what you had for lunch, that cute dress you got in the mail or if you went to the gym.
Users are now holding space for more confronting topics such as politics, racism, mental illness, LGBTQIA+ rights, human trafficking and the list goes on.
At a glance, the boost in online activism and awareness has done a lot of good.
It has provided volume for voices unheard, ignited passion and drive, sparked important conversation, created accessible education around specific issues or topics and led powerful movements toward change.
Despite the number of pros, there are always cons.
Cyber bullying found a new partner in crime known as “call-out” or “cancel” culture, where everyone with a smartphone has an opportunity to taste the power trip.
Fuelled by the attitude that if you have the internet there is no reason to make mistakes, “call-out” culture vultures are ego driven and attack others on their lack of knowledge, misinformation and silence.
With such confronting topics in our feeds, many users’ tunnel vision for their chosen cause led them to attack not only celebrities and influencers, but anyone and everyone – including myself.
Following the heavily publicised death of George Floyd on May 25 in Minneapolis, Minnesota at the hands of police, the Black Lives Matter movement resurfaced in a big way, both online and on the streets.
At this time, someone questioned my inactivity online via private message on Instagram, claiming I was ignorant because I had not posted much about the topic.
It was this interaction that sparked my deeper Insta-dissection, I thought to myself, “wow people truly believe a small grid of images online reflect your entire existence.”
I was baffled by the fact someone felt the need to let me know I wasn’t doing enough and in such pointed way where I could feel the satisfaction those words provided them.
Doing the work, whether it be dismantling the patriarchy, raising mental health awareness, celebrating pride, tackling racism, sharing personal experiences, among other things – goes beyond the screen and that is where we see, feel and enact change in our society.
Social media should be used as a tool to complement activism work and not as the sole space for speaking out.
Let go of the saying “pics or it didn’t happen” because if someone did not post about donating to charity, signing a petition or attending a protest does not mean they are not doing the work.
It does in fact show they don’t need a virtual pat on the back for every move made towards a stronger, brighter future.
Although we may not be swiping through as many spray tanned models on Instagram at this time, the influence of this online platform has manifested yet another unattainable ideal, where enough will never be enough.
