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‘Slacktivism’ is ineffective

In response to the bombings and mass shootings Nov. 13 in Paris, Facebook created a profile picture filter which resembles the France flag to support the country. But how does this filter actually support a terrorized country?

Although the filter spreads awareness to people who may not have heard about the tragedy, nothing else happens. Little difference is made.

This simply becomes a trend on social media that lasts awhile then is forgotten.

While some people have a special connection with the country, or share a fond memory of the City of Lights, many others have made a fruitless and insincere approach towards activism.

This passive approach is called “slacktivism,” which is online activism that requires little time or involvement.

A better way to support the victims of this tragedy is to, first, educate yourself and those around you about ISIS and the reasonings for each attack, and not just the ones in Western countries.

Just a day before the Paris attacks, Beirut suffered a double suicide attack. Social media, and media in general, made little fuss over Lebanon, but made Paris a trending topic instantly.

This year alone, four other countries lost more people than Paris did.

Baga, Nigeria lost over 2,000 people in January due to a terrorist attack, but Facebook did not offer a filter.

Another way to actively support the people of France is to donate to the Red Cross, which quickly sent volunteers, or to Secours Catholique-Caritas France and the French Secours Populaire, which are French charities that provide aid during emergencies.

Adding a filter to Facebook profile photos and using the hashtag “#PrayForParis” does little to help the victims of the terrorist attack.

Instead of following the social media trend, take action and do something to help fix the problem.

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Unsigned editorials represent the opinion of the Campus Times Editorial Board.

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