Social media often gets a bad reputation a lot of the time – ruining attention spans, spreading misinformation, all of that good stuff. But besides all of that, we also overlook just how powerful social media can be when it’s used the right way. Social media isn’t just about doomscrolling or new trends; it’s a space where people can connect, speak up, and actually create change, even if it doesn’t always look like traditional activism.
After writing about the limitations of social media, I started to see activism a lot differently. Most of the time, awareness never leads to action. A lot of what we do online – liking posts, reposting videos, adding hashtags – can feel meaningful without actually requiring much effort. That’s where critics like Malcom Gladwell come in, arguing that social media creates “weak ties” that don’t always lead to real, lasting change. And honestly, I get that. Real movements usually take deeper commitment than just clicking a button.
But at the same time, I don’t think that makes social media useless. If anything, I think it shows that its real strength is starting the conversation. Social media has made it so much easier for people to learn about issues they might have never paid attention to before. It amplifies voices – especially marginalized ones – and gives people a way to share experiences on a global scale. That kind of visibility wasn’t always possible.
I also think people underestimate how small actions can build into something bigger. Even if posting or sharing seems “low effort,” it can still create momentum. It introduces people to causes, encourages discussion, and sometimes pushes them to get more involved offline. Social media might not complete the work, but it can definitely start it. One of the biggest examples of this is the Black Lives Matter movement in 2020. Filmed and uploaded by Darnella Frazier at just 17 years old, the video was seen by millions of people in just a couple of days and sparked global protests, inspiring the Black Lives Matter movement.
What makes me most hopeful is how social media connects people. It creates communities around shared values and issues, making people feel less alone and more motivated to care. And while trends can come and go quickly, the connections and awareness they create don’t always disappear as fast as we think.
At the end of the day, I don’t see social media as a perfect solution—but I do see it as a powerful tool. When it’s used intentionally, it can educate, connect, and inspire action. Real change still requires effort beyond the screen, but social media can be the spark that gets people there. And honestly, that’s something worth being optimistic about.
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