In my final hyperessay, I will discuss the recent trend of content-producing or sharing websites that aim to "uplift" its audience and raise awareness of various social justice issues. I will examine how these websites fulfill their mission, and whether or not this constitutes a true form of activism, or if they are merely just a feel good diversion that ultimately draws attention and energy away from the very issues they are trying to promote.
Many of these websites operate under the assumption that their videos will inspire or motivate the viewers to do something, that is, beyond just leaving their sites with warm and fuzzing sentiments. However, everyone who has watched these videos knows that it takes a little more than a 5 minute feel good clip to mobilize us into taking any kind of concrete action. We are deluding ourselves if we think that it is that simple. Don't get me wrong though. If there's anything I believe in, its motivating people to become involved in a cause greater than themselves. However, I also recognize the challenges that come with the process, and that certain efforts are more about smoke and mirrors than true engagement.
I believe that this topic is very relevant to anyone who is uses the Internet or is interested in using it promote activist causes that they care about. We are all avid consumers of content that is put out by these websites (don't try to deny it), so we should all take responsibility and seek to understand the effect that it's having on us. We need to be smart about how we use the internet. Beyond just consuming the content, we need to think critically about it and how it affects our lives. Something as trivial as an Upworthy video or BuzzFeed post can have repercussions that we've never even considered.
Many of these websites operate under the assumption that their videos will inspire or motivate the viewers to do something, that is, beyond just leaving their sites with warm and fuzzing sentiments. However, everyone who has watched these videos knows that it takes a little more than a 5 minute feel good clip to mobilize us into taking any kind of concrete action. We are deluding ourselves if we think that it is that simple. Don't get me wrong though. If there's anything I believe in, its motivating people to become involved in a cause greater than themselves. However, I also recognize the challenges that come with the process, and that certain efforts are more about smoke and mirrors than true engagement.
I believe that this topic is very relevant to anyone who is uses the Internet or is interested in using it promote activist causes that they care about. We are all avid consumers of content that is put out by these websites (don't try to deny it), so we should all take responsibility and seek to understand the effect that it's having on us. We need to be smart about how we use the internet. Beyond just consuming the content, we need to think critically about it and how it affects our lives. Something as trivial as an Upworthy video or BuzzFeed post can have repercussions that we've never even considered.