Protests, petitions, viral hashtags—civic activism has never been more accessible. But do social media truly inspire action, or are they just a space for virtual support without real-life impact? We conducted a survey among our followers on Instagram and LinkedIn to explore the role of digital platforms in modern activism—and the results are more than intriguing!
Social Media – A Call to Action or Just Noise?
Respondents unanimously (100%) agree that social media increase the visibility of civic actions, while 87% believe they have contributed to the rise of citizen activism. For 86% of Instagram users, social media are the primary source of information on civic initiatives. But how often do people actually take action? While 19% of Instagram users and 30% of LinkedIn users frequently respond to calls for action, the majority participate only occasionally (38% IG, 47% LI), while 6% never engage.
Can We Trust Everything We See Online?
Fast information doesn’t always mean accurate information. Half of the respondents trust the reliability of information on civic actions, while 30% find it unreliable, and 20% remain uncertain. However, people remain cautious—90% of Instagram users and 79% of LinkedIn users verify information from other sources. Despite concerns over accuracy, the power of social media in shaping public opinion is undeniable. Every survey participant believes that social media significantly influence views on civic initiatives, and three-quarters of respondents think there should be better regulation of activism-related content on these platforms.
Social Media vs. Traditional Media – Who Wins?
An overwhelming 91% of respondents see social media as the primary channel for expressing civic dissatisfaction. When it comes to demographics, Gen Z and Millennials are the most engaged, while older generations participate less frequently. But can digital campaigns drive real change? The majority think they can (93% IG, 57% LI), though LinkedIn respondents are more skeptical—29% believe that social media don’t produce tangible results. Compared to traditional media, social media emerge as the clear winner—86% of respondents see them as a more effective tool for driving engagement.
The survey results confirm that social media play a crucial role in modern activism—from spreading awareness to mobilizing action. But the question remains: does digital support lead to real-world change, or do we stop at likes and shares? Perhaps the key lies in a balance—leveraging the power of social media while remembering that real change happens beyond the screen.
