This archive report was first published on 2 November 2019.
As I reflect on the state of social media, I am reminded of a quote from former US President Barack Obama, who once said, 'The world is messy, there are ambiguities.' These words resonate deeply with me, especially in today's digital age where it's easy to get caught up in the hype of being 'woke'.
Obama's words are a stark reminder that life is not black and white, and that people are not perfect. We all have flaws, and we all make mistakes. Yet, on social media, it's easy to get caught up in the idea that we are better than everyone else, simply because we can tweet about our opinions and feel good about ourselves.
But what does it really mean to be an activist on social media? Is it simply about casting stones and exchanging barbs with others, or is it about actually bringing about change? I would argue that the latter is the true definition of activism, and that the former is little more than social media bullying.
Take, for example, the case of Tito Mboweni, the current South African Minister for Finance. He recently announced that he would no longer be posting original tweets, citing the platform's abuse and negativity. I couldn't help but feel a sense of sadness and loss, not just for the loss of his original tweets, but also for the loss of a platform that once brought people together.
As Obama so aptly put it, 'If all you are doing is casting stones, you're probably not going to get that far.' These words are a stark reminder that social media activism is not just about tweeting and hashtagging, but about actually taking action and bringing about change.
So, to all the 'woke' folk out there, I urge you to take a step back and reflect on your actions. Are you truly making a difference, or are you simply casting stones and feeling good about yourself? Let's strive to be better, to be more than just social media bullies.
