The gap between online activism and real action shortchanges political movements

The growing disconnect between digital “activism” and on-the-ground change happens when people begin protesting for their social media feeds rather than meaningful progress.

By: Gabriela Martinez, Staff Writer

Performative protesting blurs the lines between genuine activism and mere show, as individuals attend protests for the sake of appearance rather than true commitment to the cause.

In an era where social media amplifies every act of dissent, performative protesting has become a growing concern. Many participants attend rallies and marches to capture the moment for their feeds, often prioritizing visibility over genuine advocacy.

“I think performative protesters are upsetting because they don't really care about the cause,” says Graciela Marquez, an 18-year-old nursing major. “They're just doing it for the trend most of the time.”

This trend not only weakens the seriousness of social movements but also distracts from the voices and experiences of those who truly fight for change. Individuals who are pivotal in shaping the future of activism but discern between heartfelt involvement and superficial participation to foster authentic engagement in social justice.

In the last three years, data has consistently shown that a sizable share of “activism” on social media is largely symbolic rather than important. A 2022 survey by the Pew Research Center found that 48 percent of U.S. adults who say that they supported the Black Lives Matter movement mainly by “liking or sharing” posts. 62 percent of global consumers  noted brands showing rainbow logos during Pride while still funding anti-LGBTQ legislators. Only 9 percent of TikTok videos tagged #ClimateJustice included calls to action, with 73 percent being mere reaction videos. 

These numbers show that digital signaling is common, but translating it into real world impact is still relatively rare. Gen Z’s heavy reliance on TikTok and X has amplified both performative protesting and social media driven performative activism. 

Viral challenges and “hashtag activism” can trend worldwide within hours, yet many participants stop at the share button, leaving the underlying movements they spotlight under-resourced.