As I begin writing this blog post, I have concluded that I sometimes feel like I do not have enough basic understanding of social media activism, which is why I find it difficult to know where to start. In addition, I often feel intimidated or scared to speak up about controversial topics online because I have seen firsthand the trolls in the comment section of the internet. However, I know that my privilege and courage can affect positive change for my students and those who interact with me on social media.
Is social media activism meaningful and worthwhile?
Our most recent class had a guest speaker named Paul Signorelli, who spoke about social media activism. His latest book, titled “Change the World Using Social Media,” addresses how to foster positive and collaborative change in society by using social media. The idea that social media can produce both small and large-scale change is eye-opening for me. Large-scale activists had to start somewhere, right? All changes start small before they grow into an entire movement. Social media can most definitely be meaningful and worthwhile for activism because it can reach such a broad audience that wasn’t possible a short two decades ago.
I think in today’s world of social media, many social media influencers and content creators wouldn’t necessarily identify themselves as an activist, even though they are putting in the work to create change, spread awareness, and mold new mindsets. I think the term activist often paints the picture of people marching in the streets and participating in protests; however, that is not always the case regarding social media activism. Social media has allowed activists to bridge the gap between face-to-face experiences and reaching people who might be more comfortable in their homes. In addition, “What is potentially even more important is social media’s power to amplify individual voices, particularly those that have traditionally been marginalized.” (Hildebrandt, 2018, p. 35). There are more ways than ever now to contribute to change positively, and others are finding it more accessible to reach different pockets of people worldwide.
Can we having meaningful conversations about social justice online?
As teachers, I feel it is a part of our digital citizenship instruction to include activism as a part of that. Social media activism often pops up in our current events, which can spark meaningful conversation in the classroom. For example, I remember when Greta Thunberg went viral for her incredibly impactful speeches that she was making around the world about environmentalism and climate change. I think the students felt drawn to her because she was so young with such a powerful voice. Another example that I often hear kids speak of is Malala Yousafzai because her award-winning book is now in school libraries and is often used in book clubs and novel studies. Social media activism is easily integrated into the classroom, and teachers are already doing this in their schools.
What is our responsibility as educators to model active citizenship online?
Educators don’t necessarily require any presence on social media; however, social media can be used to their advantage. Social media allows educators to connect with their students on a level that wasn’t possible before. Almost everything I learn about from news sources is no longer on the television, radio, or newspaper. It is now plastered on phones and screens on various apps, and the information limit does not exist (I hope you caught my funny reference there). I think educators would be doing themselves a disservice but not having at least a basic understanding of how social media works because it is or will be such an integral part of their students’ lives whether they engage in it or not. To conclude, “Indeed, silence speaks just as loudly as words — the absence of teacher engagement in discussions that relate to equitable education creates what Eisner (1985) described as a null curriculum: an absence or void in what is taught or discussed that carries with it a powerful lesson about what does and does not matter.” (Hildebrandt, 2018, p. 36). Being a bystander alongside social media activism does more harm than good for our students.
Ms. Mihial's Classroom 
Dear Katherine, i enjoyed your post about social activism and connecting with your students. When one considers the impact of climate change, perhaps youth really get it. In a province such as Saskatchewan where mining, agriculture and oil production are significant resources as well as contributors to carbon emissions, teachers face the real threat of community backlash if the subject of climate change is discussed let alone activism by students. But — science right?
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What a tricky topic for teachers. Activism is what many teachers strive for as end goals with their students, but due to a multitude of factors such as contractual obligations or other pressures placed upon teachers, it can be very fearful for teachers to speak out. So does that show compliancy? It’s tricky. If teachers had more security in their jobs, I think more would be willing to speak out about things that matter or things that they disagree with. Teaching about activism is one thing, but being an activist is completely different. Maybe I’m looking in the wrong places, but I wish there was more information out there to be better activists in an educator’s role.
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