Today, we’re more connected than ever, but also more distanced. It’s a strange paradox. With a tap on our phones, we can learn about people and issues across the world and even join in supporting causes that mean something to us. But when I reflect on my own online activism—the times I’ve shared a post, donated a bit, or signed a petition—I realize how often I fall into the realm of what we call slacktivism. What does it mean and how can we use the internet to be really connected?
(https://thejesuitpost.org/2016/03/choosing-solidarity-over-slacktivism/)
Slacktivism offers that quick sense of satisfaction, but as I’ve come to realize, true digital solidarity asks more from us. Recently, reading Writing Beyond Race by bell hooks has given me a new perspective on what it really means to stand in solidarity with others, especially across cultures, languages, and vast distances. hooks writes about the power of connecting with accountability and integrity—about building true alliances that go beyond performative gestures. This idea of meaningful solidarity has only been reinforced by The Digital Street by Jeffrey Lane, whose work on online and offline communities in Harlem shows how online activism can reflect real relationships, support systems, and mutual respect.
Moving Beyond Slacktivism
Recently a friend posted a link for disaster relief or an environmental cause, I “heart” it or just share it. It feels like a small, but good gesture. But hooks challenges this approach, urging us to see solidarity as more than a fleeting moment. It’s about understanding the communities involved, learning more about their needs, and finding ways to show up for them, even if only through a digital platform.
I found this theory very interesting. Helping isn’t just about donations or fundraisers—it’s also about really understanding the people and communities behind the cause. Taking time to know their stories, struggles, and dreams is an act of respect and connection. This kind of awareness does more than support them in the moment; it helps us spread genuine understanding and inspires deeper, lasting support.
Lane’s study offers a unique perspective here. In his research on Harlem teens, he observed how relationships in this community naturally extended from physical streets to digital spaces. Friends, mentors, and community leaders used social media to keep connected, show support, and even resolve conflicts that started offline. Each online action—from a post to a shared link—was more than content; it was part of a larger web of community trust and responsibility. If we think of our digital activism this way, each click or comment can mean more when viewed as part of a bigger picture, a larger commitment to the people behind the cause.
So, the next time you see a campaign for an issue you care about, consider how you might take it a step further. Instead of just “liking” a post, engage with the story behind it, understand the context, and follow the journey of those involved. In that way, we build real connections and turn passive gestures into active solidarity.
Bridging Boundaries Through Listening
hooks speaks about “bonding across boundaries”—a willingness to learn from people whose lives and experiences may be vastly different from our own. Social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter are perfect tools for this, allowing us deep into lives that we might never otherwise encounter.
There is a YouTube channel called ActionAid UK. It highlights the stories of women from different places and communities who need support. Each video introduces a new woman, focusing on her personal story—her challenges, her resilience, her dreams. This approach does more than just ask for help; it gives people a chance to really know and understand each woman’s life. It’s a powerful way to build connection and empathy, making each story a bridge that brings communities closer together.
link: https://www.youtube.com/@actionaiduk
They are also available on Instagram, where you can check all important actions – https://www.instagram.com/actionaiduk. This powerful social media tool can be used as a information’s source, you can just search #humanitarianaid and almost the whole internet opens for you. Don’t forget about misinformation – always check the reliability of your source.
In The Digital Street, Lane observed how young people in Harlem use online spaces to stay connected, even as they navigate a complex world of local alliances and conflicts. For them, digital spaces aren’t just social—they’re essential connections to their community. Lane’s research showed that these online interactions aren’t just casual; they’re often extensions of relationships that exist in real life, where what happens online impacts social dynamics offline, and vice versa. This offers a valuable reminder: the digital connections we make can be meaningful if we choose to listen deeply, even when the stories and backgrounds are unfamiliar to us.
Following voices from marginalized communities, for example, isn’t just about hitting “follow”—it’s about understanding the nuances of their experiences. These creators share their challenges, culture, and resilience, often through deeply personal storytelling. Engaging thoughtfully with these accounts reminds us that solidarity means honoring the full, often complicated, humanity of others. It’s through these shared digital spaces that we can dismantle the “us versus them” mentality, finding common ground even in the most unexpected places.
Empowering Others Through the Capacity to Aspire
Digital platforms have a unique ability to fuel people’s aspirations for a better future. Anthropologist Arjun Appadurai calls this the capacity to aspire—the belief in, and ability to imagine, a different reality. When used thoughtfully, digital platforms do more than raise awareness; they uplift communities and give individuals the tools to envision new possibilities.
So how can we bring these ideas into our digital activism, making it more intentional and impactful?
- Commit to Learning and Listening
Solidarity begins with active learning and listening. Follow accounts that offer fresh perspectives. Look for voices that aren’t always highlighted in mainstream media, such as Indigenous activists or young leaders. - Support Creators and Campaigns with More Than a Like
When you find a campaign that resonates, ask yourself how you can support it more deeply. Maybe sharing a post with a thoughtful message? - Share activism
If friends or family fall into slacktivism, talk about how digital activism can drive real change when approached with intention. Sometimes, a simple conversation can inspire others to show up more meaningfully. - Reflect on Your Own Engagement
Are you staying informed on issues you care about? Are you showing up in ways that align with your values? Reflecting on your own approach may bring a big change.
If you are interested in making a real impact, I recommend you check the European Solidarity Corps. It is an EU program that offers young people opportunities to volunteer or work on projects benefiting communities across Europe. For more information, click here:
– General information
https://youth.europa.eu/about-us_en
– Volunteering Activities
https://youth.europa.eu/solidarity/young-people/volunteering_en
-Volunteering in Humanitarian Aid https://youth.europa.eu/solidarity/young-people/volunteering-humanitarian-aid_en
If you are wondering if humanitarian operations really make sense, take a look at this example. UNICEF – as s United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund, a global organization – achieved, among others:
- Clean water and sanitation for 42.4 million people
- Access to education for 17.7 million children and adolescents;
- A total of $520 million in Humanitarian cash assistance provided to 2.9 million families;
- Delivery of $893.1 million worth of supplies in preparation for or in response to emergencies.
Conclusion: The Power of Digital Solidarity
Exploring digital activism more deeply, I’m discovering that it’s not about perfect, grand gestures. It’s about small, consistent actions done with care and respect. Digital solidarity is ultimately about building a sense of shared responsibility and purpose, even with people and communities we might never meet in person. It’s about showing up not just for causes, but for each other.
Bibliography:
Biro, C. (2016, March 16). Choosing Solidarity Over Slacktivism – The Jesuit Post. The Jesuit Post. https://thejesuitpost.org/2016/03/choosing-solidarity-over-slacktivism/
Hooks, B. (2013). Writing beyond race : living theory and practice. S.N.], London.
Lane, J. (2016). The Digital Street: An Ethnographic Study of Networked Street Life in Harlem. American Behavioral Scientist, 60(1), 43–58.
unicef. (2024). Who we are. Unicef.org. https://www.unicef.org/who-we-are
This article pushed me to examine my relationship with social media and digital solidarity. I have also been guilty of slacktivism and appreciate the opportunity to reflect on it and learn how to move beyond it, through deeper engagement.
I like how it underscores the difference between performative digital gestures and true solidarity and lists good practices to ensure digital solidarity achieves some good. The idea of “bonding across boundaries” resonates strongly, adding value to digital connections and reminding us of the importance of listening to other people´s stories.
I appreciate articles like these that encourage real action, no matter how small. Thank you.