There is no question that the Internet is simply amazing! We now have access to one-third of the rest of the world by simply getting onto our computers, but with this great power we have decided to share cat videos and let the world know we had pie for breakfast. Now I enjoy starting my day with a nice apple crisp and DJ Kitty video as much as the next person, but with an entire generation given practically unlimited knowledge and connectivity at our fingertips, shouldn’t we do a little more?
It would be unfair to not acknowledge some of the crusades that the Internet has spawned. Occupy Wall Street had an entire Internet base to the movement and the ‘Ice Bucket Challenge’, ironically, caught fire. These causes mobilized at a staggering rate online, but everybody always asks, “Did they really do anything significant?”
Imagine the Civil Rights movement or hippie counterculture of the 1960’s. Would these revolutions have been magnified by the presence of the Internet? We’d like to think so, but no attempt at social change today has come close to these legendary examples of activism, despite the presence of the Internet. Hopefully everyone would have gone to the million-man march instead of staying home to watch ‘Gangnam Style’ for the 40th time.
So how can the Internet youth take their online might and make a difference? Joseph Oteng’s article ‘Generation ideal: Millennials and social media activism’ lists some guidelines to keeping activism authentic and potent online:
“Here are a few ways you can put the ‘action’ back in ‘activism:’
- Know your motivations (be authentic with your concerns; know the source of your passion; focus your energy and follow through)
- Don’t title yourself (allies and advocates are honors bestowed by others upon you; support marginalized identities with active listening, challenging stereotypes and educating yourself/others)
- Get outside your social circle (challenging your views reminds you that there isn’t a singular solution to any issue)
- Practice what you preach (stay true to your cause; speak out against bias incidents and daily microaggressions; strive to use inclusive language etc.)
- Be visibly active (attend discussions; protests, rallies; donate money, or time of your own volition)
- Self-work is key (check your biases; analyze your prejudices, do some research; understand we learn from our beliefs)
In a nutshell: Just use the Internet to discuss and promote something you care about. Be sure to check out the whole article here.
So what’s the verdict? Can social media evolve into a global power for prosperity? How can Millennials and, really, all Internet users bring real change in this new age? Make sure to leave your ideas and opinions in the comment section, and remember, DJ Kitty says, “Watch me once, then go do something meaningful!”
Rich Williams is a freelance writer, entrepreneur, and aspiring Renaissance man. A crusader against meaningless existence, he has dedicated himself to living life as a self-actualizing free spirit. As a twenty-something, he endeavors to enter adulthood while keeping the joy and vigor of youth alive. He lives in Tampa, FL, and is accepting new clients. Connect with Rich on Twitter and LinkedIn.
