The Coronavirus has taken over almost every aspect of life including taking the social spotlight. The pandemic has had an effect on everyone across the globe but for seniors in college, like me, it hits a little closer to come. After our discussion of slacktivism vs. activism this past week, I have spent some of much free time trying to analyze action on my own social media feeds.
I have found there has been a high volume of change.org petitions going around Facebook regarding university’s decisions on closing, refunds and graduations. From our own Montclair State, to Penn State University, East Stroudsburg University, TCNJ, and so many more, students from colleges big and small are sharing petitions, hoping to get signatures and encourage change from university officials.
When first looking into these petitions, I thought they would classify as activism because most petitions were successful and granted student wishes. After reviewing class notes, I found that it fits into a bit of both categories but I feel that this specific spark for change is more related to slacktivism.
Change.org has very low barriers for entry meaning pretty much anyone who sees the petition can sign it. It is also very easy to participate, most petitions only ask for a name and email, and then your signature is added to thousands of others fighting for the same cause. With the above circumstances and the main way of access being Facebook, most times after being signed the user will also share the post, making it very easy to publicize and extremely viral.
Although not much effort is required, it seems that little effort is all it takes now-a-days to result in change. Now although this may be circumstantial, in this worldwide emergency, the small actions people are taking works, which is why I classify it as slacktivism. Many social campaigns surrounding Covid-19 are a prime example of “Up the Ladder of Engagement”, a one step at a time movement towards change.
Theresa Tumminello 