Positioning on Twitter always feels like helping a movement. I often find myself sharing my opinions on political issues, and joining in an echo chamber.
Most of the people I follow — with some exception, of course — have the same political beliefs I have, so naturally the opinions they offer mirror my own opinions.
Essentially all this does is boost my own sense of participation. It makes me feel like I’m being a good citizen, spreading the seed of political activism.
When I take time and reflect on it, though, it’s perfectly clear that anything I tweet is for myself. It’s a way to make myself feel better; it’s a way to proclaim to the world what type of person I am, and it’s ultimately worthless to helping any cause.
Twitter activism isn’t worthless of course; but those activists must be the ones on the ground, too.
People like Deray McKesson, who leads the Black Lives Matter movement, serve a vital purpose on Twitter, seeking out injustice and helping to rectify it. His follower base is such that the message he hopes to send out has a far-reaching audience.
But on low levels (for people like me, in other words), it’s more helpful for people to actively participate. The time for passive interest has passed.
If you’re passionate about something, call your congresspeople. If you want to see change, attend a protest.
Hashtags will only take a movement so far; action is essential.
