Can Performative Activism Actually Do Good?

In the current digital world, a single hashtag can begin global conversations.

Gone are the days when raising awareness was a huge task requiring much effort. Today, all you need to do is switch your device on and do a few clicks.

However, with this ease of online advocacy, performative activism has become more common than ever.

Are these pretty posts and clicks merely serving a digital citizen's desire for social media popularity? Or can it actually do some good?

What is Performative Activism?

Performative activists advocate for social issues with the primary intention of raising their social capital rather than genuinely contributing to the cause in real life.

Essentially, it is about spreading awareness about issues but lacking genuine care and necessary actions they speak so much about.

For instance, the world mourned the death of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor in 2020 by beginning a powerful social movement against the unjust police brutality towards black people - The Black Lives Matter Movement.

From strong activism among influencers to activism through liking and social media posts of black squares to show solidarity with the black community, online activism was at its peak.

However, it does raise the question of how many of those who took part in digital activism at the time truly cared.

Performative Activism vs. Real Action: How to Spot the Difference

So, how can you differentiate between performative clicks and real activism that leads to change?

Here are the three main questions you should ask yourself:

How Much Effort Do You See?

Consider how well-researched a post is. Is it a small, quick action like just changing a profile picture or bio, or do their digital actions demonstrate well-researched and quality content?

Is the Post Focusing on Self-Image or the Actual Cause?

Activism is something that is fueled by a genuine desire to contribute to the cause of concern. Ask yourself whether a post looks like someone cares more about self-expression or whether they are genuinely trying to contribute to the cause.

Are They Consistent in Their Advocacy?

When someone is genuinely passionate about something, their efforts to spark a change are typically long-lived. It's completely different from merely hopping on trends to join the bandwagon.

READ THIS ARTICLE ON: Ominous Positivity: Activism in the Age of Disillusion

Is Slacktivism a Form of Performative Activism?

Slacktivism is a combination of the words "slacker" and activism". It refers to tiny acts done by someone to support a social justice issue requiring virtually no effort on behalf of the participants.

Slacktivism is commonly associated with actions such as signing online petitions or joining social networking groups related to a cause.

There is very little difference between performative activists and slacktivists. Slacktivism is like the laziest form of performative activism.

How to Avoid Performative Activism on Social Media

If you think deeply about it, isn't everything we do on social media performative?

Whether we post or like something, we do so knowing that others who follow us can see it and attempt to construct a perception of ourselves for them.

Here are a few things to think about while engaging in any social media activism:

1. Is your involvement mere surface-level activism, or do you plan to act toward this cause?
2. How much do you know about the issue you're posting about?
3. Is this post serving more of my needs, or does it contribute to the greater good?
4. Are you sure that your digital activity is not just a trend?
5. Are you very picky about what you post? Are the topics you're avoiding truly ones you don't stand for, or do you just post because something is trendy?

Ways to Turn Performative Activism into Real Change

It is possible to turn performative activism into real change and make meaningful contributions to a particular cause.

Here are a few ways you can make that happen:

1. Learn about the cause before you post on complex topics.
2. Use social media to start conversations with those who have had genuine experiences.
3. Try to develop a concern that is on a personal level.
4. Don't do it to get attention from friends. Always remember it's about the cause.
5. Try to stay away from trends that don't spread quality information.

RELATED: Powerful Ways Nonprofits and Activism Can Change the World Together

Conclusion

The current digital world has enabled its citizens to spread awareness at an alarmingly rapid speed. However, it does not come without its downsides.

This lightning-speed sharing has led to a type of activism called performative activism that shows outward concern but doesn't translate to any real change.

Although an aesthetically designed post on a current issue may spread some awareness, the true impact comes from committing oneself to deeply understanding the problem and taking action beyond the screen. It should always be noted that activism is a long-term commitment, not a one-time post.

So go ahead and like that post or re-share it, but make sure you truly care.

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