that law

promise is so goated..

How social media disguises your true colors; Preformative Activism.

Feb 19, 2025

In an age where its become increasingly easy to show your support for a cause, its also become increasingly easy to fake it. Because activism in modern age doesnt mean showing up to protests, or writing a letter to your senator; rather, its as simple as retweeting a post.

Middle ground

First, I think its important for us to acknowledge the polarization in our political sphere that has only been perpetuated by social media. Social media has perepetuated the idea that if you are not actively protesting something, than you are automatically in support of it. While this is effective and true when it comes to bigger topics, (racism, immigration, sexism, etc.), forcing this idea upon nicher topics has only perepetuated the nessecity of activism. Activism is nessecary, yes, but when you abuse its influence to get more shares on your post, you cross a line. Becuase the truth is, posts who say "repost this or you ----," only instill fearful activism, and thus false activism. Reposts and shares done out of pure fear for being painted as ignorant create more harm for the casue itself. Thus, social media has tainted the idea of activism by making it seem mandatory, and isntlling fear upon users. While you should support the causes your passoniate in, not sharing one post doesnt make you a poser. And while most of these posts can genuinley raise awareness, its important for us to know that 1. Not interacting with the post doesnt make us a false advocate and 2. Some of these posts are created with capatlistic intent only.

How to spot a poser

Next, its impotant for us to recognize fake. Heres a few signs to help you spot a flase advocate.

  • Their advocacy stays within the barriers of social media. If all their doing to help the casue is share, repost, and retqweet, then theres a good sign they lack the information to be an advocate. Instead, search for people whoa re activley at protests, creating posts, blogs, and activley working to spread accurate information OUTSIDE of social media. If their advocacy has barriers, then its preformative activism.
  • They are misinformed. Pay close attention to the posts that they share. If you notice that any of the information is false or has not been confirmed, then its a good chance they didnt do their research. In todays climate, false information is being spread as a way of fearmongering. Do not beleive everything you see online. Rather, make sure to only share offical and confirmed information to avoid insuing fear or panic.
  • If all that they share is complaints. Stating the obvious wont change anything. We are all aware of at least one thing in our political climate that should be subject to change. Posts that complain about the now without offering any way to change it are useless, and rather serve as a form of preformative activism. It is the same as to say "this is bad and this is why its bad" is useless if you're not offering an alternative or how to get there. If you dont like the state of our political climate, do something about it.

    • Activism beyond social media

    And finnally, how can we accuratley display our support? The biggest point here would be to use social media as a tool, as a part of your advocacy. When used correctly, social media can serve as a real tool to inform users. First, make sure that the posts your sharing have accurate and up-to-date information. Next, make sure the your advertising ways for users to get involved beyong social media. Sharing protests sites, wasy to vote, or who to contact can all be very effective in helping the casue. And lastly, make sure that you yourself are getting invovled beyond social media. Social media should be used as a platform, not a protest sight, because little change can actually come of sharing, reposting, etc. Rather, make sure you are working to support the cause itself.