The Role of Social Media in Shaping Modern-Day Activism

Abstract

The fourth industrial revolution is presently taking place throughout the world. This revolution was greatly influenced by the development of digital media. The range of socio-political activism was altered. Global communication has been profoundly altered by technology breakthroughs, with social media platforms like Facebook, X, Instagram, Snapchat, Telegram, and WeChat at the forefront. The study explores how social media has changed activism in the modern day by highlighting how it can increase access, visibility, scope, and empowerment. Examining well-known movements including the Greta Thunberg climate change protest, #MeToo, #BlackLivesMatter, and the Anti-Discrimination Movement in Bangladesh, the analysis delves deeply into the dynamics of digital activism. Despite democratising freedom of speech and fostering global connectivity, social media has drawbacks such as false information, divisiveness, and performative activism, and privacy concerns. This may halt the movement. The globe is currently moving towards a more sophisticated technical development. It is anticipated that activism in the future will become more digital, propelled by innovations in technology like virtual reality and artificial intelligence. In order to protect user data and guarantee social media's effectiveness as a weapon for social change, the study emphasises the necessity of responsible platform management.