Human Rights Day: Is social media activism real change or just talk?

AS we observe Human Rights Day, it’s worth looking at how social media has become a powerful tool in advancing free expression, which is protected under Section 16 of the South African Constitution.

This law states that everyone has the right to freedom of expression, including freedom of the press, the right to receive and share information, artistic creativity, and academic freedom.

Also read: The significance of Human Rights Month

Social media has amplified these freedoms, allowing media houses and everyday individuals to create blogs, websites, and social platforms to share opinions, creativity, and ideas. It has also fuelled social justice movements, with campaigns like Johannesburg Pride using online platforms to raise awareness and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. The 2024 Pride March marked 35 years of Johannesburg Pride, filling social media with rainbow flags and conversations about progress and ongoing challenges.

On the flip side, social media has also played a role in “cancel culture,” where public figures face backlash for their actions or accusations against them. A well-known example is local artist Sjava, who lost gigs and opportunities after being accused of rape. Although the case was later dropped due to lack of evidence, he has spoken openly about how the social media campaign impacted his career and livelihood.

Also read: The dark reality of GBVF and posting victims on social media

With both positive and negative effects, the role of social media in human rights remains a hot topic. Here’s the question: Do you think social media activism creates real change, or is it just performative? Why?

To explore this further, Caxton Local Media asked young people for their thoughts. Here’s what they had to say: 

Mholi Phahla 

Personally, I think social media activism has been one of the most powerful instruments for radical change in recent years. It has also brought awareness to the social injustices faced by different groups. From the #MeToo Movement and #BlackLivesMatter to #FeesMustFall and #FreeGaza has helped challenge policies and power dynamics on a global scale.

I wouldn’t necessarily say it’s performative, but it can be selective at times. I’ve witnessed hypocritical bias and intersectional blindness, especially when it comes to more marginalised groups and communities. Even world leaders and governments, in some cases, have relied on moral credentialing to turn a blind eye to certain matters. As George Orwell said, ‘All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others’.

Sikholiwe Zuma 

Most of it is performative. On social media a lot of people are vocal about things that they wouldn’t bother uttering a word about in real life.  When it comes to bringing about genuine change on the ground social media activism is lacking. With that being said, social media activism is better than no activism at all. There is good that comes with it.

Anele Khumalo 

I do not believe social media justice creates change, it has become performative.  People just want to trend for helping in a certain cause. Nowadays people who post  for change always have an ulterior motive rather than genuinely advocating for change in the cause that they have posted.

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