Saving the World, a Post at a Time – Infographics and Digital Activism
Open Access
Author:
Ryoo, Eugene
Area of Honors:
Cybersecurity Analytics & Operations
Degree:
Bachelor of Science
Document Type:
Thesis
Thesis Supervisors:
Fred Fonseca, Thesis Supervisor Anna Cinzia Squicciarini, Thesis Honors Advisor
Keywords:
social media instagram infographics digital activism digital divide facebook slacktivism twitter clicktivism
Abstract:
The ‘infographic’ is a posting format that rose to prominence on social media platform Instagram in the Spring and Summer of 2020. Infographics are a form of digital activism that attempt to spread awareness of issues and spurn their viewers to contribute to real-world social movements; however, infographics are instead most often reposted by Instagram users performatively, more akin to showing low-stakes support or participation in a movement than real-world actions. This paper makes a distinction between ‘digital activism’ and ‘activism done online’ to show how while some technology can be used effectively by activists, infographics do not qualify as meaningful activism, instead functioning closer to voicing of support or participation in a movement. This paper also explains how factors endemic to social media caused the infographic format to become popular in the first place while also contributing to its ineffectiveness as a means of real-world social change.
