Post 2: What examples of social media do you find inspirational or challenging? Mention 1 or 2. Cite a reference or URL for each. Explain why they inspire you.

One advantage of social media is users’ ability to advocate for social change over several platforms. Shareability occurs, for example, on Instagram through the use of hashtags, posts, stories, reels, tags, and mentions on the platform. An example that I find inspiring is the use of Instagram to advocate for the Black Lives Matter movement, in conjunction with other social media platforms like Twitter and YouTube. The Black Lives Matter (or #BLM) movement gained traction online after the killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and other Black Americans in the US in 2020. Millions flocked to social media to advocate for police reform in America and challenge systemic racism.

On Instagram, this was demonstrated through the posts of its users, related to protests, petitions, and updates related to the issue. Influencers and celebrities utilised their large platforms to circulate donation links that were highly shareable. Instagram was flooded with informative content that focused on dismantling racism on the platform, posted in carousels, Instagram reels, and hashtags like #blacklivesmatter.

Fig. 1, Emma Watson’s tribute to Breonna Taylor 

Interestingly, the trend #blackouttuesday (which involved posting a black square to the Instagram timeline) was criticised for encouraging performative activism rather than inspiring any real change. Black communities have stated that a more effective way of showing solidarity is by donating money and sharing resources that help combat racism. This demonstrates that social media can be used to advocate for social change, regardless of its intended use. Instagram is a site where most of its users can share a curated version of their lives. Over time it has transformed into an increasingly political platform that is hosting conversations about issues such as the Black Lives Matter movement. This example of social media use inspires me because it confronted many people to make changes in their lives that challenge systemic racism.