The Activist’s Double-Edged Sword: Social Media

Elon Musk’s acquisition of X (formerly known as Twitter) has brought unprecedented attention to private entities controlling major social media platforms. Coupled with Musk’s public stance as a “free speech absolutist”, this has profoundly shaped the platform’s perception to the rest of the world. As millions use X daily, his actions have reignited debates over the role of social media platforms in regulating free speech and misinformation. This also begs the question for activists worldwide: Will social media be a friend or foe?

So far, marginalised voices have used social media to make themselves heard. This is evident through movements such as #MeToo, #BlackLivesMatter, and many more. Social media provides a low barrier to entry for marginalised groups to amplify their voices. By commenting, liking, and sharing posts that individuals can relate to, activists can connect and foster a sense of solidarity. Moreover, the exponential reach of social media also allows netizens to advocate for movements on a global scale.

Yet there are also concerns about the spread of misinformation, potential censorship, and even cancel culture, making social media a controversial medium for activism. The rapid spread of false information poses the primary concern, as it can weaken movements and erode public trust when exposed. Additionally, overzealous activists may compromise clarity in their content to achieve better engagement, leading to an inaccurate portrayal of the movement as a whole.

To address these issues, countries around the world have used public policy to mitigate the risks posed by the spread of information through social media. One example is the EU’s 2022 Code of Practice on Disinformation. Though voluntary, this framework was agreed upon by large social media platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter, as well as players in the advertising industry, research, and civil society organisations. These companies agreed to self-regulate their platforms, providing greater transparency in advertising and collaborating with industry experts to identify and fact-check pieces of fake news.

All in all, social media is a powerful tool, but activists must wield it responsibly. By understanding the pros and cons of utilising social media for activism, individuals will be able to understand its potential to amplify marginalised voices, while learning the policies governing online misinformation globally. Only when we learn to navigate the double-edged sword of social media can we truly use it to incite meaningful change.