Social Media Activism (Suggested key words: crowdfunding, hashtag, change, social good, etc

As teens, it is a general consensus that we cannot create change because we are not big enough, strong enough, capable enough, smart enough etc. However, in recent years the conversation has begun to change.

Teens are being encouraged to use their voice, no matter how small.

This change may be because of the advancement of technology. We now, more than ever, have the opportunity to create change because of the platform handed to us.

At first, social media was used as a way to promote businesses and advertising. Business owners would use hashtags to create a brand and get people to pay attention. But now, it’s being used as a tool for activism. Used in a similar way, organizers will use a hashtag to get people talking about their movement. For example, Parkland students used the hashtag #MarchForOurLives which garnered the attention of millions of people all over the world. In addition, the black lives matter movement. People were on social media speaking volumes.

The Parkland students came up with the march for our lives movement in a friend’s living room. It started as a  small movement and grew to become a mass media topic in a matter of weeks. It’s because social media gave them the power. And you now have the power too.

If you are passionate about something, if you want to change something, you can and you should. You have the voice and the tools, so don’t be afraid, because if you don’t stand up… who will?