To find out what the future of social activism is going to look like, let’s first see how a few dictionaries define the term “social activism.”

The Free Dictionary defines it as “The use of direct, often confrontational action, such as a demonstration or strike, in opposition to or support of a cause.”

The Urban Dictionary defines it as “An intentional action to bring about social, political, economic, or environmental change. This action is in support of, or opposition to, one side of an often controversial argument.”

The Collins Dictionary says that “Activism is the process of campaigning in public or working for an organization in order to bring about political or social change.”

So, basically, social activism is all about triggering change either directly or indirectly. People have been doing this for centuries. Was this easy? Of course, not. So, social activism has transformed a lot to become what it is today. But a sure thing about it is that it is often combined with the uncomfortableness of not knowing what to do.

Because activists privilege action over inaction, they might sometimes do things that won’t lead the situation to any direction. Other times, activists acknowledge that they need to take some rest, to rewind their minds, and to gather strength. Another thing they consider is the platform they use to make their voices heard.

The challenge is that in some countries, public voices can be hushed up. For example, in order to decentralize the activists’ strengths, some governments organize mobile messaging app shutdowns and blocking. These are a common thing in the Middle East, Latin America and some other places globally. But people usually find a way to overcome massive blockings by using alternative messengers or Virtual Private Networks (VPN).

In fact, social media channels, messaging and voice calling apps can fuel important social movements and can actually become the platforms where people speak up. For example, during the Arab Spring protests back in 2010, Facebook and Twitter played a key role in serving as communication tools for the activists.

While we were all used to perceive social activism as something that can be demonstrated in the streets and republic squares, the future seems to be holding something else for us.

Today, social activism is not only about hitting the streets shouting and yelling and requiring action from organizations or governments but also about being present in the global communication. Just like anything else in our lives, activism has been digitalized, too. Maybe that’s why nearly 56% of young adults are considered to be social activists. In modern society activism is defined by the readiness to do the following:

  • Donate time
  • Donate money
  • Participate in fundraising events
  • Support or boycott businesses
  • Participate through mobile texting
  • Subscribe to online news
  • Lead or organize group events
  • Be part of groups
  • Gather and share news

That said, let’s take a look at a few numbers.

By 2018, the global population of social media users is projected to grow to 2.44 billion, or 33% of the world population. As for the fundraising, millennials are the most inspired to give by social media. Gen X and Baby Boomers by email. Prediction: Gen Z will prefer mobile apps. Interestingly enough, 18% of all online donations come from mobile device users.

Another study has tried to explore the reasons behind participation in activist events. Four main reasons are outlined. It turns out that people participate in activist events in order to:

  1. Promote positive change
  2. Express their political opinions
  3. Learn about news
  4. Support people affected by recent events

The causes that people care most about include but are not limited to the following:

  • Quality education
  • Cancer treatment
  • Access to education
  • Energy conservation
  • Obesity
  • Access to healthcare
  • Freedom of speech

So, as is obvious, people use tons of online platforms in order to make a social change. And they find alternative tools when the existing ones get blocked or shut down or do not work for some reason.

Introducing Pinngle

Pinngle is an all-in-one platform for keeping in touch and participating in the global dialogue. It is a mobile messenger for iOS and Android. And it works anywhere despite the fact that a lot of other messengers don’t work in several countries. Pinngle is nearly unblockable which means that governments and organizations won’t be able to block it or shut it down in your region even if they do shut down or block other mobile messenger apps. 

Pinngle also features the so-called Public Channels which are a unique means of creating and receiving top-quality content. Word-class influencers, bloggers, travelers, photographers, writers and social activists are joining the unique Pinngle community every day.

Pinngle allows everyone to share their message and to be heard all over the world. As an influencer or a social activist, you will be able to have hundreds of thousands if not millions of followers. Your content including but not limited to links, videos, audios, and photos will be viewed and featured in your local community as well as the whole world. Public channels have all the chances to transform the future of social activism. Pinngle is thus the place where you can create such a channel and make your voice heard! 

Learn about Pinngle Channels by navigating to our Channels page.

Feel the freedom of communication. Download Pinngle today!

appstore  google play market


Also published on Medium.

3 Replies to “What is the Future of Social Activism?”

  1. Have you ever thought about writing an ebook or guest authoring on other blogs? I have a blog based on the same subjects you discuss and would really like to have you share some stories/information. I know my viewers would enjoy your work. If you are even remotely interested, feel free to send me an e mail.

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