How Millennials Use Social Media To Make Social Change
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

How Millennials Use Social Media To Make Social Change

Millennials are continuously unleashing goodness into the world, one post at a time.

5591
How Millennials Use Social Media To Make Social Change
Ed Gregory

Effecting social change is more than a nice idea to millennials, and this generation is demanding to be taken seriously.

Millennials are the largest population group in the U.S., with 86 million people. According to a study conducted in 2011 by TBWA/Worldwide and TakePart, seven in 10 adults ranging from 18-29 years old consider themselves activists. A majority of millennials view activism as a part of their overall identity, as well as a way to socialize with and relate to others.

Nowadays, people from every age group use some form of social media, from Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tumblr, and so on, but social media activism is very popular amongst young adults.

This generation of millennials is known for how connected they are through social media and technology. It is important to note that their use of these mediums has gone from posting selfies, and taking pictures of their food, to using their profiles to advocate for social issues.

From the ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) ice bucket challenge, which generated over 100 million dollars for neurodegenerative diagnosis research, to the Black Lives Matter movement, which was started on Facebook by three black community organizers in response to the death of unarmed 17-year-old African-American Trayvon Martin.

To millennials, social media is their main platform for bringing awareness to a cause they care for. They have advocated for child labor laws, voting rights, civil rights, school desegregation, immigration reform and LGBT rights. The world is beginning to experience real change through their actions.

We hear a lot about how millennials use social media in foolish ways, but not enough light is shed on how they successfully use these various platforms to express a genuine passion for making the world a better place.

It doesn't stop with the U.S. Millennials. Other countries are also actively changing the world. In China, young adults are leading online political discussions and also donating to charities. In the Arab Spring, Millennials actively protested with the goal of removing the dictators in charge of their countries.

According to research conducted by The Millennial Impact Project, millennials engage in causes that help people, not businesses. However, one in three millennials boycott or support businesses based on the causes they care about.

They are placing more pressure on companies to become socially responsible, and will reward them for their involvement and impact in social causes. Millennials don't just share content for the sake of sharing, but in hopes of raising awareness and spreading a message.

To them, this is just as important as donating and volunteering.

It is evident that this generation of young adults is showing the rest of the world how to effectively make a difference. This generation is learning to be more open to sharing views similar and different to theirs. In doing so, they are presenting real opportunities for dialogue while presenting real solutions to problems that affect people all over the world.

Millennials are continuously unleashing goodness into the world, one post at a time.

From Your Site Articles
Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

70991
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

132557
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments