The power of social media blackouts
Social activism explodes online with the Black Lives Matter movement, with positive and negative outcomes
Social media has established a space that brings people and communities together, and can be used as a powerful tool for change. Unfortunately, when the whole grid is blacked out, useful information is pushed into the metaphorical back cupboard of the internet.In a world of working from home and social distancing, it is nearly impossible to imagine life without social media. People’s voices now are far more powerful than they used to be. Social media has changed how humans can make a meaningful impact by contributing to a collective cause.Last week, social feeds across the globe were flooded with black images to take a virtual stand with the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement after a horrific incident of police brutality in the US. These posts, mostly hashtagged #BlackoutTuesday, were people’s way of joining protests against the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.After just a few hours, a mass of black squares took over Twitter and Instagram, with more than 28-million posts on In...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.