Hashtags: Activism of the future

This column is satirical.

#Yolo is probably the most annoying hashtag ever, while #selfie is arguably the most cringeworthy. But, unless you live under a rock or are older than 70, this is hardly news.

In contrast, new and more morally aware hashtags, such as #BringBackOurGirls and #YesAllWomen, have recently made headlines over the controversial debates they have ignited.

#YesAllWomen has attempted to tackle sexism and misogyny one tweet at a time, and #BringBackOurGirls has provided enlightening discussion on American imperialism and African politics — all in 140 characters or less.

Despite my lack of expertise in African politics and feminist ideology, I would still like to applaud how these campaigns serve as shining examples of a positive new trend and why we should all embrace it. Social media campaigns, such as #BringBackOurGirls and #YesAllWomen, have finally shown us the way to make activism easier . No longer will activism require such time consuming things as writing to Congress or tiresome activities like waving signs. 

Rather, all it takes is a cool hashtag. While some decry this as slacktivism or point to it as another symptom of our technology-obsessed culture, I eagerly look forward to using #payraise@ThePittNews to show how my fellow columnists and I are being exploited. The hashtag is simply the new and better activism of the future.

Take for example the effect of #kony2012. The use of this hashtag successfully prompted a Senate resolution condemning Joseph Kony’s actions and an influx of 5,000 troops from the African Union to help catch the now-infamous Kony. 

Two years later he still has not been caught. But it’s the thought — and the hashtag apparently — that counts. After all, good intentions — no matter how misinformed — always lead to good results. Just look at the success of Communism. 

In a recent study published in the journal Psychology of Popular Media Culture, researchers found that part of the reason why #kony2012 sparked such a huge reaction was because of its simplification of complex issues. 

The study found that it is easier to incite moral outrage when there is a clearly defined problem and solution because people simply lose interest when presented with a more complex problem. Hashtags effectively do this and have the undeniably positive effect of prompting action — and as we all know, shooting first is always better than asking questions. 

Still, there are those who disagree, such as the recent conveying of senior operations commanders of various U.S. special forces that felt they would be “tweeted” into combat, despite the questionable effectiveness of such an operation. Yet, any reasonable person can rest assured that this would never happen — a hashtag such as #BringBackOurGirls is not, as it may first appear, a one-dimensional demand. Rather, it is advocacy for a realistic solution to a complex problem. 

If you stare at each tweet long enough, you will get a clear image of the strategy it represents. No filler, it just gets straight to the point, #BringBackOurGirls. Just do it, OK?

Obviously effective, another great aspect of hashtag activism is its inclusivity. It empowers those without a voice, that is, as long as the voices are active on social media and have an Internet connection. The extensive reporting of the use of #BringBackOurGirls by regular people — like Michelle Obama — can make a difference. Unlike traditional activism, which is usually organized by a strong leader, the use of hashtags is totally driven by the masses. Finally, regular people with Internet access can have influence over those cocky policy experts.

Another more subtle benefit of hashtags is the capacity for anonymity. In real life, you can be accused of supporting a cause merely to improve your image, while on the Internet, you can anonymously advocate. Twitter is all about anonymity and not at all focused on self-aggrandizement or trying to look good. Because of this, hashtag activists are a lot more likely to be selfless and are not simply looking for attention.     

Everything has its drawbacks, but it is quite clear that for hashtag activism, the multitude of benefits outweigh minor points cynics may have. In this new, interconnected world, awareness is everything. While no one has come up with a catchy hashtag for raising the 46.5 million who live in poverty in the United States out of it, or for reducing the over 1 million instances of violent crime per year, I am sure it is a mere matter of time.              

The possibilities of hashtag activism are endless, and it is clearly the most obvious and straightforward solution to our societal ills. If you want to change the world, forget protesting, fundraising or even voting. The most effective way is creating a trending hashtag. 

With that in mind, #payraise. 

Write Eli at elitelie102@gmail.com