Youth Radio’s Nico Savidge examines the trend of “slacktivism” – how internet awareness campaigns and “social” ventures offer political involvement, without offering real pathways to action. 

What is the New What? I say slacktivism is the new apathy.

Everyone knows the old stereotypes about the so-called “apathetic teenagers” of Generations X and Y: we couldn’t care less about politics; we’d rather rock out on Guitar Hero than learn about issues affecting our community; we’re tuned out; we’re uninformed. 

But now, my peers are finding a new way to get involved in politics: slacktivism.

[Mike DiCenzo]: (7.45) For years, government-backed Arab forces known as the Janjaweed militia had attempted to wipe out black farmers in Sudan’s western Darfur region.

That’s Mike DiCenzo, senior writer at The Onion, reading from the satirical atlas, “Our Dumb World.”

However, just as they were about to set fire to another village, word reached them that an American teenager thought that what was happening in Sudan “sucked.” After learning that all her friends agreed, they immediately called off the whole genocide. (8.05) Mike DiCenzo: (13.35)

DiCenzo is mocking slacktivists – the hybrid of slackers and activists.

Caitlin (14.25) I get at least 5 e-mails a day asking me to either sign a petition, send a letter, call a Congressman, 

Sixteen-year-old Caitlin Grey is a classic slacktivist.

[FADE IN – FULL VOLUME AT ‘I ALWAYS’] would be that I always type in my name and e-mail address when they ask me to sign a petition, but when they ask me to call a congressman? Never done it once.  

You won’t see slacktivists march in the street for their beliefs, but you will see their passive forms of protest on blogs and Facebook pages. Here, Caitlin reads off some of the causes she supports online: 

Caitlin: End the seal hunt, stop global warming, rebirth the earth trees for tomorrow – didn’t even know I was in that one – contribute to the humane society PETA  [FADE Down] 

While Caitlin is realistic that her Facebook support doesn’t affect those causes, some people think these symbolic acts create real change.

Caitlin:  [FADE UP]: Animal abuse fighting abandoning and testing, stop all of it now.

Slactivism may have replaced outright apathy, but often the only thing it changes is how active people think they are. However, some organizations have turned slacktivism into action. The Product (RED) campaign sells RED-branded mp3 players, t-shirts, and even laptops. So far, the brand has raised more than 110 million dollars for treatment and education about HIV and AIDS in Africa.

Although examples of effective slacktivism are rare, it’s great that my peers have found a way to educate themselves about major issues in the world. Even if our political dedication stops when we leave the internet, awareness is often the first step in creating real change.


 

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